A borstal, or borstall, was a reformatory for young offenders aged about 16 to 21. The term was used between about 1920 and 1970.
Borstals were meant to provide corrective training for young offenders without sending them to prison.
The term, originally from Britain, was derived from Borstal, a suburb in Rochester, Kent, the site of the first borstal.
Prepared by: Caroline Evans
Created: 31 January 2014, Last modified: 19 March 2014