NCJ Number
100192
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 65 Issue: 2 Dated: (Autumn-Winter 1985) Pages: 75-94
Date Published
1985
Length
20 pages
Annotation
An evaluation of the privatization of a juvenile correctional facility in Florida suggests that privatization is an appropriate alternative in certain situations but that it is not the solution to all problems in corrections.
Abstract
In 1982 Florida transferred the Florida School for Boys in Okeechobee from State operation to a private, nonprofit organization, the Jack and Ruth Eckerd Foundation. The National Institute of Corrections financed an evaluation by the American Correctional Association. The funding delay precluded a longitudinal study. As a result, the Okeechobee school was compared with the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, the State's only other all-male training school. Although the Okeechobee population contained more black youths who had more serious offenses, the use of the Quay typology to analyze the randomly selected samples from both training schools showed no significant differences in the client populations. The evaluation focused on institutional adjustment by the clients, staff morale, and costs. In addition, a corrections expert visited both facilities and commented on the correctional philosophy, atmosphere, program, and other factors. The Eckerd program did not reduce costs or improve quality. Further analysis by the institutions' personnel and State officials indicated numerous positive and negative aspects of the Okeechobee project. A more cautious approach to privatization is needed. Tables, footnotes, and 5 references.