Description

The Massachusetts Experience: A Historical Review of Reform in the Department of Youth Services

While the national trend is to further punish youth, Edward Loughran provides a historical view of the Massachusetts juvenile system, long held as a model for a community-based system since large-scale detention facilities were summarily closed in 1972. He predicts an increase in secure facilities and the reallocation of funds in this direction, but he also sees hope in the fact that the system continues to rely primarily on community alternatives to address crime and violence among youth.

criminal justice system; juvenile correctional institutions; Massachusetts; social policy; social services; state legislation; youth and law; youth programs and projects

Citation: Social Justice Vol. 24, No. 4 (1997): 170-186