Beyond the Walls: Improving Conditions of Confinement for Youth in Custody

Intended to stimulate discussion about ways juvenile justice professionals can improve conditions of confinement for detained and incarcerated youth, this report provides a number of tools which may be useful for community advocates, program administrators, and others to address various needs including education and protection from abuse. Six ideas for improving conditions of confinement for incarcerated youth are detailed under the following headings: (1) Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act in Juvenile Correctional Facilities; (2) Use of Ombudsman Programs in Juvenile Corrections; (3) Educational Advocacy for Youth with Disabilities; (4) Protection and Advocacy Systems in Juvenile Corrections; (5) The Administrative Procedure Act in Juvenile Corrections; and (6) Self-Assessment in Juvenile Corrections. These materials are designed to supplement needed litigation efforts. Appendices include a contacts list, the text of the laws referenced and related significant decisions, information about ombudsman offices for children of several states, and contact information for state protection and advocacy systems. (EMK)