NCJ Number
166089
Date Published
1997
Length
96 pages
Annotation
The programs of the George Junior Republic (GJR) juvenile institution in Grove City, Pa. were examined by a committee of West Virginia juvenile justice personnel by means of a site visit that took place May 1-3, 1996.
Abstract
The 460-bed institution is the out-of-state facility most used for juvenile delinquents from West Virginia. During the inspection, 71 West Virginia youths were reportedly housed in facilities operated by GJR, which defines itself as a residential treatment facility for emotionally troubled children and adolescents who are either delinquent or dependent. The analysis concluded that GJR has a beautiful physical plant and has established a full continuum of services for youth. However, further inspection revealed that some practices of GJR would be illegal under West Virginia child law and practice, do not meet minimum standards, and might even represent cruel and unusual punishment in West Virginia. The most disturbing practice was the placing a severely emotionally disturbed West Virginia child in a wooden box for reported punishment; GJR officials later described it as a screen used for educational purposes. The analysis also concluded that GJR's model, which uses small living units and surrogate parents, may have advantages, but it not known whether GJR's model is more or less successful than other programs in rehabilitating delinquent youth. The committee recommended that GJR improve its programming and that West Virginia professionals not refer certain youth. Responses from GJR officials, copy of another evaluation, and descriptions of other treatment programs