Where Are They Now?

Of 1,837 youths contacted in a national study of juvenile correctional programs, 194 returned follow-up questionnaires that sought information on their postrelease status and activities, their assessment of the correctional programs, and their expectations about the future. Most of these youths were found to be living with their parents; others had moved to more independent settings; a few remained in correctional programs. Most worked or attended school, although their job and school experiences were less than ideal. Fully 38 percent were unoccupied, apparently not because of lack of motivation. Nonwhites and youths released from closed institutions were especially likely to be unoccupied. Many youngsters reported continued delinquent activity; more reported continued contact with the law. However, most evaluated their correctional programs favorably and were optimistic about the future.