National Survey of Youth in Custody (NSYC)

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DRAFT

ational Survey of Youth in Custody (NSYC)

W

U.S. Department
of Justice

Bureau of

Justice Statistics

hat is NSYC?

The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), is mandated by Congress (P.L. 108-79) to implement the National Survey of Youth in Custody. This is a national study that will collect data in at least one facility from each state.

A sample of approximately 28,000 adjudicated youth will be selected to complete a survey using a laptop computer. The survey will address a broad variety of topics, such as, reasons for placement, perceptions of life in the facility, health services received, alcohol and drug use prior to arriving to the facility, and sexual experiences in the facility.

The survey was successfully field tested with approximately 650 youth (age 12-21) from facilities in seven states. The test provided evidence that a study like this can be done. Participating youth were very cooperative and reported it as a positive experience. State and facility staff reported that the survey team minimized disruption to the facility. They also reported that there were no instances of youth being upset as a result of participating in the survey.

The full-scale study will be implemented nationwide in 2008. Westat, a survey research firm in Rockville, Maryland is working with BJS to conduct the study. Westat field staff will work directly with selected facilities to schedule and coordinate the survey visits.

How will NSYC results be used?

Findings from the national study will be used to develop and implement standards for detection, prevention, and reduction of sexual assault within correctional facilities. Using data from this study, BJS will report to Congress on the incidence and effects of sexual assault in the nation’s juvenile correctional facilities.

What is the state role in NSYC?

Each state will be asked to designate a liaison to help coordinate study procedures and ensure that they comply with state regulations. The liaison also will support Westat efforts to work with each selected facility. Specific areas of necessary support from the state liaison include:

• State clearance procedures: Identify procedures that are required for the study to be conducted in the selected juvenile correctional facilities (e.g., submitting clearance packages for review, performing security protocols).

• Informed consent procedures: Confirm state standards for obtaining permission to interview youth (i.e. in loco parentis or parent/guardian permission). If necessary, the liaison will work with facility staff to identify appropriate ways to maximize the level of permission.

What is the state role in NSYC? (continued)

• Mandatory reporting of abuse and neglect procedures: Communicate the requirements and procedures for mandatory reporting of alleged maltreatment, sexual assault, or other abuse occurring in state facilities.

• Identify special counseling support: Arrange for counseling resources to be available at each participating facility. Services from facility staff and from non-facility staff (e.g., central office staff) must be possible.

What is the facility role in NSYC?

The success of the study depends on collaboration between the facilities and the Westat team. Each facility will be asked to select a facility coordinator with whom Westat will work to plan study activities, prepare for field visits, and provide support during the survey visit.

Specific activities required of the facility coordinator include:

• Report on facility characteristics: Provide information on general facility and unit characteristics (e.g., number of adjudicated youth).

• Provide youth rosters: Provide an initial roster of adjudicated youth and scheduled updates on discharges and newly admitted youth.

• Assist with consent requirements: When possible, the state or facility will grant permission to interview youth in loco parentis. If this is not possible, Westat will work with the facility coordinator to determine appropriate procedures to obtain permission from parents/guardians.

• Arrange for visits by Westat field staff: Facilitate data collection procedures such as scheduling the date of the visit and designating space where interviews can be conducted.

• Administrative records: Provide data from administrative records (e.g., reason for placement, level of security).

In addition to activities conducted by the facility coordinator, other staff involvement may be required (e.g., staff to escort youth to and from the interview areas).

How can I get more information about NSYC?

Westat will provide additional information about NSYC and specific study procedures when they contact state liaisons in late 2007 and as they contact facility coordinators during the first quarter of 2008. During these contacts, Westat will work with the state and facility throughout the course of the study.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact:

• David Cantor, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Westat

1650 Research Blvd.

Rockville, MD 20850

301-294-2080

[email protected]

• Paige Harrison

Project Officer

Bureau of Justice Statistics

810 7th St., NW

Washington, DC 20531

202-514-0809

paige.harrison@usdoj.gov