Full Description
Throughout her entire career, Judge Polier continually fought for the rights and needs of the poor. In this volume she describes the granting and denial of justice toward the poor -- particluarly poor children -- she observed during her tenure as a Family Court Judge in New York City. The book discusses the current state of the justice system and the outlook for the future. This volume helps readers understand how broadly shared the responsibility for the neglect of today's youth is and how society must reshape its attitudes and realign its priorities to help the thousands of children who are dependent upon the public for care and support.
The book identifies how the courts have been weakened by their loss of direct contact with delinquent and neglected children and the "need for humanity and respect in dealing with difficult human problems." (from the introduction).
From her personal experiences and observations, Judge Polier describes the granting and denial of justice she observed while she consistently emphasizes the need for direct contact with delinquent and neglected children. For students, professional, and researchers in sociology, criminal justice, and any social science discipline dealing with children and children's problems, Polier's book provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of the major problems facing society today.
Contents
Introduction. Fifty Years of Changing Political Winds. For Delinquents - The Tail End of Justice. The Drive for Punishment: Violence Against Youth. Neglected and Abused Children. The Search for Permanence. The Unmarried Mother, Illegitimacy and Adoption. Sex and the Double Standard. The Ups and Downs of Mental Health. Religious Separatism. Racial Discrimination. Postscript for the Future.
