U.S. Juvenile Centers Found Overcrowded
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WASHINGTON — A Justice Department study released Sunday found serious, widespread overcrowding at juvenile detention facilities across the nation.
The study, announced by Atty. Gen. Janet Reno, found that nearly half of all youthful offenders are in facilities that are too crowded.
Overcrowding was associated with higher rates of violence, suicidal behavior and greater use of short-term isolation as a disciplinary measure, the study found.
The report said the daily average population of juvenile facilities increased by nearly 30% to 65,000 between 1979 and 1991.
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