Anticipating Space Needs in Juvenile Detention and Correctional Facilities

摘要

One of the most difficult challenges facing State and local juvenile justice systems is anticipating space needs in detention and correctional facilities. Underestimating future demands can lead to overcrowded and less safe facilities. Overestimating future demands can lead to mismanaged tax dollars and even misuse of the extra space, such as detaining juveniles who would not otherwise be confined. In either case, the cost of miscalculating the need for additional space in secure juvenile facilities can be considerable. This Bulletin provides policymakers with information that will help them to determine the appropriate space needed to accommodate the number of juvenile offenders expected to be placed in residential facilities. An overview of juvenile justice system policies and decisionmaking that affect the process of assessing future space needs is provided, and an analysis of the different projection models is included.