Reformatory is a correctional institution for lawbreakers over the age of 18 who do not need maximum security. Reformatories are often used to separate young adult offenders from older prisoners. They provide counseling, education, vocational training, and other improvement programs. In the United States, state or local government authorities or private agencies operate reformatories.
Institutions for most lawbreakers under the age of 18 are called training schools. Most inmates of training schools are held from 6 to 9 months. Institutions at which youthful offenders stay for a shorter time are called juvenile detention centers.
The first reformatories in the United States were established during the early 1800’s in New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia. These institutions received some state funds but were mainly supported and operated by private citizens. In 1847, Massachusetts opened the first state-controlled reformatory.
By 1900, reformatories had been established throughout the United States. These institutions originally attempted to reform and educate the youths rather than to punish them. However, early reformatories operated much like prisons and lacked effective programs.
