Juvenile Justice: Improving the Quality of Care

The juvenile justice system is beset by major societal forces and does not lack for critics. Several paths are available to guide the future of the juvenile justice system. One direction would amplify the current expansion of punishment and of "holding youth and families more accountable for their misdeeds." An alternative approach entails rediscovering the historic mission of juvenile justice to provide individualized and compassionate care for delinquent youths. The punitive direction fits with current political rhetoric about "getting tough" with criminals. The doubling of the prison population and the large growth in juvenile incarceration are products of the "hard line" approach. Paradoxically, the urge to punish has not matched with public support to raise taxes to pay for a more vengeful justice system. Consequently, conditions of confinement are worsening, challenging basic American values about cruel and unusual punishmen

Hate the Player and Hate the Game

This article spells out the continuing "war against the young," and the increased punitiveness and criminalization of youth behavior in the courts, legislatures, media, schools, and on the streets. Dr. Krisberg examines three case studies in California of struggles over pertinent legislation and concludes by describing the latest evolution in reform strategies, with youth as key leaders

Stopping Sexual Assaults in Juvenile Corrections Facilities: A Case Study of the California Division of Juvenile Justice

Testimony of President Barry Krisberg before the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission

Breaking the Cycle of Abuse in Juvenile Facilities

A special account of abuse of youth in custody in California, Texas, Florida, and Indiana and recommendations for reform

Attitudes of US Voters Toward Youth Crime and the Justice System

In January, 2007, NCCD commissioned Zogby International to conduct a national public opinion poll about American attitudes toward our nation's response to youth crime. The results of this poll showed that striking majorities favor rehabilitative services for young people and, despite a lack of confidence in the juvenile system, are largely opposed to prosecuting youth in the adult court and incarcerating youth in adult facilities.The public apparently recognizes that young people need and deserve assistance and forbearance on the part of society and its institutions. It is clear from the survey responses that most of the American voting public thinks that giving young people the help they need to mature, learn, and overcome the mistakes of youth is key to enhanced public safety

Attitudes of US Voters toward Prisoner Rehabilitation and Reentry Policies (FOCUS)

In February, 2006, NCCD commissioned Zogby International to conduct a national public opinion poll about American attitudes toward rehabilitation and reentry of prisoners into their home communities. The results of the poll showed that striking majorities favor rehabilitation as a major goal of incarceration

Reforming Juvenile Justice through Comprehensive Community Planning

Comprehensive Community Planning is a model that emphasizes prevention, intervention, community-building, and a reliance on research as the basis for an approach to solving problems of youth crime. The model was tested in three pilot sites, Fort Meyers, FL, Jacksonville, FL, and San Diego County, CA. This publication details the planning process in each of these sites, the lessons learned, and the various benefits to the communities involved

Reforming Juvenile Detention in Florida

The National Council on Crime and Delinquency was sponsored by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund to independently study and assess the quality of care in juvenile detention facilities in Florida and how effectively resources are being used. This study is a fair assessment of the conditions of confinement, needs of youth entering the system, and services received as reported by youth and staff

Juvenile Justice in Florida: What Kind of Future?

The National Council on Crime and Delinquency conducted a study to determine the potential benefits to Florida of adopting a data-driven approach to juvenile corrections that is based on the best national research. This study seeks to complement the ongoing work of the Florida Office of Program Policy and Government accountability (OPPAGA). In this study, NCCD has assessed the potential impact of alternative program and policy options, and provided recommendations that move toward a model continuum of graduated sanctions

Executive Summary: Reforming Juvenile Detention in Florida

The National Council on Crime and Delinquency was sponsored by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund to independently study and assess the quality of care in juvenile detention facilities in Florida and how effectively resources are being used. This summary provides major findings from the study and recommendations based on these findings