NCJ Number
88069
Journal
Kriminologisches Journal Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: (1982) Pages: 85-94
Date Published
1982
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Professionals involved with recently established community-based alternatives to juvenile institutionalization in West Germany evaluate a juvenile justice reform proposal containing a provision for continuation of juvenile incarceration in closed institutions.
Abstract
Speakers reviewed the history of juvenile institutions and noted the ongoing controversy between efforts to improve conditions at those facilities and the drive to abolish them in favor of community-based alternatives. Among the principal critiques of closed juvenile residential programming is the inability to pursue rehabilitative treatment in coercive environments. One speaker points out that newer secure facilities have attempted to establish more liberal living group arrangements but that conditions remain overcrowded and social service staffing inadequate. Participants refute the call for containing dangerous juvenile offenders by citing inadequate study of the issue and discretionary designation of juveniles to this category. Various alternatives to closed institutionalization are mentioned, including group homes with educative supervision, personality development counseling, work experience, and advocacy support. Also discussed were community service and restitution programs. The primary demand of participants remains that of not incarcerating anyone under age 18. Seven references are given.