Abstract
In 1986, California adopted the nation's strongest law prohibiting the incarceration of children in jails and lockups for adults. This legislation was a policy reversal in a state with a long history of jailing children in huge numbers. Key ingredients of the reform effort were a well-organized proponent coalition, including the National Council on Crime and Delinquency and the Youth Law Center; a respected legislative author; a background of pending California litigation on the issue; and publicity surrounding tragic deaths and injuries to minors confined in adult facilities. The reform bill, SB 1637, became effective January 1, 1987. It outlaws use of jails for minors under juvenile court jurisdiction, but permits six hour confinement of certain minors in police lockups under strict statutory conditions. Advocates of reform in other states may benefit from this study of jail removal in California.
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