NCJ Number
26490
Journal
Corrections Magazine Volume: 1 Issue: 5 Dated: (MAY/JUNE 1975) Pages: 37-40 AND 49-60
Date Published
1975
Length
16 pages
Annotation
A NARRATIVE SURVEY OF INSTITUTIONS AND PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY PENNSYLVANIA'S BUREAU OF CORRECTION AND BUREAU OF YOUTH SERVICES.
Abstract
JUVENILE CORRECTIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA IS UNDERGOING CHANGE SINCE ITS NEW DIRECTOR IS THE SAME ONE WHO SHUT DOWN ALL JUVENILE INSTITUTIONS IN MASSACHUSETTS AND LAUNCHED THAT STATE INTO A PROGRAM OF CONTRACTING FOR SERVICES WITH OVER 200 PRIVATE AGENCIES. HE WANTS TO CLOSE SIX OF THE NINE INSTITUTIONS AND TO SET UP COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAMS FOR THOSE DISPLACED INMATES. ADULT CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES RANGE IN AGE FROM NEARLY 100 TO ONLY 10 YEARS OLD. ADULT CORRECTIONS OFFICIALS, WHILE AFFIRMING THE SWITCH IN EMPHASIS AWAY FROM CUSTODY, STILL ADMIT THAT FEW INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS ARE IN USE THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM. SOME OF THE PROGRAMS ARE EFFECTIVE AND INNOVATIVE. THESE INCLUDE THE PARA-TEACHER AND PARA-COUNSELOR PROGRAMS WHICH UTILIZE INMATE TEACHERS AND COUNSELORS. COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTERS AND THE GROUP HOME PROGRAMS ARE ALSO DESCRIBED.