John W. Poe is the first director of Spofford Youth House for Boys. 1961 Severe overcrowding continues. Arthur B. Cole is the first administrator. More aggressive girls were held at Spofford. 1962 New York State Family Court Act is created.
Children have the first rights to an attorney.
An investigation by the City Administrator s Office leads to establishment of dual authority between the Youth House Board and the Office of Probation. In re Gault is decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Juveniles charged with delinquency gain the right to due process. The Bronx District Attorney s office presented a case to the grand jury that resulted in the Office of Probation being given responsibility for all four facilities of Youth House and juvenile detention. Youth House Board was dissolved and not used again for legal purposes.