The judge may also impose a term of incarceration as the disposition. Relatively few juveniles are ever incarcerated but the number may increase, as legislative changes require jail terms for juveniles who commit certain offenses and continue to commit more serious offenses. Incarceration guidelines are as follows for juveniles:

-- First Degree, 4 years maximum
-- Second Degree, 3 years maximum
-- Third Degree, 2 years maximum
-- Fourth Degree, 1 year maximum

The juvenile justice system is more lenient and informal than many people realize. The basic philosophy of the juvenile justice system is rehabilitation of the juvenile, not punishment. Male juveniles are sentenced to the New Jersey Training School, also commonly referred to as "Jamesburg".

 The New Jersey Training School (NJTS) is the Juvenile Justice Commission's largest facility currently housing approximately 300 male juveniles. It was opened in 1867 as a home for troubled youth. Today, NJTS is a secure facility with a state of the art perimeter fence and 24-hour armed roving patrol. Residents range in age from 12 to 23 years of age with the vast majority of residents being 16 to 18 years old.    
   
The primary focus of NJTS is to provide care, treatment and custody for juveniles committed by the courts and to create programs that will rehabilitate young offenders.    
   
NJTS campus includes seven cottages that serve as housing units, a full-service school, a vocational building, recreation facilities, a medical facility and administrative offices.    
   
The Training School offers several unique vocational opportunities including an optical lab program which teaches juveniles to craft eyeglasses. NJTS supplies eyeglasses to all juvenile and adult residents in the state. Through this program, several youth have received jobs with optical employers after their release. Another program teaches juveniles to care for small farm animals. NJTS offers vocational programs in upholstery, horticulture, welding, graphic arts, auto body, auto mechanics, building trades, machine shop, small engine repair, and radio and television communications.

New Jersey Training School
P.O. Box 500
Grace Hill Road
Monroe Township, NJ 08831
732-521-0030
732-521-1738 (Fax)