Dispatches from Juvenile Hall: Fixing a Failing System

A revolutionary book that offers a fresh, bold approach to confronting the juvenile crime epidemic With the rise of violent crimes committed by teenagers in recent years, heated discussion has arisen over the societal 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 program that will encourage and enlighten all those concerned about the future of our youth.

Author: John Aarons, Lisa Smith, Linda Wagner
Publisher: Penguin Books
Published: 08/01/2009
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.39lbs
Size: 8.16h x 5.18w x 0.56d
ISBN: 9780143116226
Age Range: 18-UP

Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 02/01/2010 pg. 164

About the Author
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.