Deplorable Conditions in California's Juvenile Prisons

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Gang violence, solitary confinement and punishment without rehabilitation are all part of the continuing story of California-s Youth Authority. The CYA is a "very dangerous place- where neither staff nor young inmates feel safe, according to a review this month by a nationally recognized criminologist who was -astounded- by the level of violence. Such reports are nothing new to the people who run a system that-s being called one of the worst in the nation by experts quoted in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and other publications. Tomorrow, a State Senate committee will begin hearings, but there-s real doubt that new interest in an old problem will lead to meaningful change. We hear more about the system's state of decline and what's in store for the future from an attorney who provides free legal services to state prisoners and a former head of the CYA.
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Dean campaign website

California Youth Authority

Expert reports on conditions at California Youth Authority

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney

Producer:

Frances Anderton