Dispatches from Juvenile Hall: Fixing a Failing System

Description

With the rise of violent crimes committed by teenagers in recent years, heated discussion has arisen over the social factors that lead to juvenile criminality and the ways that public institutions are failing to curtail them. Now a team of experts with decades of collective hands-on experience present a book that cuts through the hype and paranoia to offer real solutions. Drawing on actual case studies, DISPATCHES FROM JUVENILE HALL shows how conventional "tough on crime" tactics have only worsened the problem and presents a new blueprint for change that incorporates punitive action, rehabilitation and family intervention - a progressive programme that will encourage and enlighten all those concerned about the future of our youth.

John Aarons is a casework coordinator with the department of Youth Services in Lane County, Oregon. Previously he worked as a consultant for the National Council for Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and his articles have been published in a number of sociology, psychology, and science journals. Lisa Smith is the director of the department of Youth Services in Lane County, Oregon. She has worked in and with the juvenile justice system for many years. She is a frequent speaker on the subject of juvenile crime and lives in Oregon. Linda Wagner has worked as the research and development coordinator in the department of Youth Services in Lane County, Oregon, for 20 years, tracking juvenile crime, measuring juvenile re-offense rates, and evaluating the impact of juvenile justice policy and system reform. She lives in Oregon.