Missouri Receiving Accolades for Approach to Youth Prisons: "Missouri Receiving Accolades for Approach to Youth Prisons
7/2/2004
Rather than a punishment-oriented system, Missouri's youth prisons promote small group discussions, therapy, and caring. The approach is winning accolades and gaining interest from other states, such as California, the Los Angeles Times reported July 1.
In Missouri's youth prisons, dorms replace jail cells. Beanbag chairs, potted plants, stuffed animals, and smiley-face comforters are the norm instead of handcuffs, razor-wire fences, and uniforms. Inmates are referred to as 'kids' and guards are called 'youth specialists.'"
