NCJ Number
16269
Date Published
1974
Length
20 pages
Annotation
RESULTS OF INTERVIEWS WITH STAFF AND YOUTH, SHOWING WIDESPREAD PHYSICAL ABUSE, INAPPROPRIATE CONDITIONS, AND EXTENSIVE VIOLATIONS ON CORRECTIONAL REGULATIONS.
Abstract
IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS ABOUT TREATMENT OF YOUTHS IN THE ST. CHARLES AND GENEVA FACILITIES, THIS SURVEY WAS UNDERTAKEN. STAFF AND YOUTH FROM BOTH INSTITUTIONS WERE INTERVIEWED USING STANDARD QUESTIONNAIRES. TOPICS COVERED WERE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS, CORPOREAL PUNISHMENT, VIOLENCE AMONG YOUTH, HOMOSEXUALITY, EXTORTION AND THEFT, DRUG USE, STAFF POSSESSION OF WEAPONS, QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF FOOD, MASS PUNISHMENT, AND SOLITARY CONFINEMENT. EXCAPES, STAFF, PROGRAMS AT THE INSTITUTE, AND ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSE ARE ALSO DISCUSSED. THE REPORT STATES THAT THE ST. CHARLES FACILITY WAS INEFFECTIVE, VIOLENT, AND BRUTAL, AND WAS FOUND TO BE IN VIOLATION OF SEVERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS. WHILE THE GENEVA FACILITY WAS REPORTED TO HAVE FEWER PROBLEMS AND BETTER RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, IT ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH DRUGS, MEDICAL TREATMENT, AND PHYSICAL ABUSE. IN BOTH CASES, RESPONSES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS TO THESE SITUATIONS WAS FOUND TO BE INADEQUATE. RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING IMPROVED EVALUATION OF THE FACILITIES, GREATER SUPERVISION OF ACTIVITIES, AND BETTER TREATMENT PROGRAMS WITHIN THE INSTITUTIONS ARE MADE.