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Attorney General Janet says national study shows need to 'take better care' of youth in detention; OJJDP to set health-service standards
Summary
Speakers on the OJJDP national teleconference reviewed a study on conditions in juvenile detention, highlighted mentoring as a key tool, and announced that OJJDP will develop performance-based health-service standards for juvenile facilities. Speakers urged balancing accountability with treatment.
Attorney General Janet opened the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s first national satellite teleconference, saying findings from a national study on conditions in juvenile detention and correctional facilities present a ‘‘great challenge’’ that requires the nation to ‘‘take better care of its children’’ once they are confined.
The study, the Attorney General said, underscores that confinement should support rehabilitation rather than worsen a young person’s condition. Barbara Allen-Hagen called the study both ‘‘exciting and challenging,’’ saying implementing its recommendations will be ‘‘revolutionary to the field of juvenile corrections.’'
John J. Wilson, speaking for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), said the agency has begun steps to address the study and will “soon begin the development of performance-based standards for health services in juvenile justice facilities to improve conditions of confinement.” The standards are intended to set measurable expectations for health care delivered inside facilities; specific timelines or funding sources were not specified during the broadcast.
Shay Bilchik described national trends that include recent increases in juvenile crime and substance abuse (with a recent downturn noted) and introduced mentoring as a practical tool for communities. Bilchik cautioned against well-meaning but poorly designed mentoring efforts, saying many programs historically lacked training, careful matching, and long-term commitment—factors he said are essential to avoid ‘‘letting these kids down.’’ He cited an example of positive results in Phoenix attributed to a person named Caroline, noting the broadcast did not supply that person’s full name or additional identifying details.
Associate Attorney General Raymond Fisher reiterated three points from the broader discussion: the majority of juveniles never offend, most juvenile offenders do not go on to offend again, and reducing juvenile crime requires ‘‘a strong and smart juvenile justice system’’ that holds youth accountable while providing needed treatment.
No formal votes or actions were recorded during the teleconference. Presenters emphasized next steps: OJJDP’s forthcoming work on performance-based health standards and community adoption of evidence-informed mentoring practices. The broadcast did not specify dates, implementation deadlines, or budget figures for the announced standards.
The teleconference served as an initial national airing of the study’s findings and an early call to action; presenters said additional implementation details will be worked out by OJJDP and its partners.
