Blog Post #5

Juvenile Rehabilitation

            While many can easily identify the criminal/delinquent issues related to juveniles, it might not be the same for recognizing the importance of juvenile rehabilitation. For this reason, the following post will focus primarily on juvenile rehabilitation.

            To better understand the rehabilitation process, one must first understand rehabilitation in its meaning. Rehabilitation is most commonly known as a process that focuses on and attempts to restore troubled individuals into becoming a greater asset to society. As it relates to juveniles, such a system is designed specifically for youth who have committed crimes or are displaying behaviors which may suggest troubled futures.

            Theoretically, rehabilitation is the focus of juvenile corrections programs  In practice, however, as occurs with adult programs, juvenile rehabilitation programs may be poorly implemented. As with many adult programs, the act of rehabilitating needs to have direct attachment to the individual in need, willing or otherwise. Strengthening implementation of existing rehabilitation and delinquency prevention programs could substantially reduce future criminality.

            Like most rehabilitative approaches, there is no “one” answer with respect to juvenile rehabilitation. The initial understanding when recognizing such a process must first be the notion that juvenile rehabilitation is an art, not a science. With that said, what works for one juvenile, may not work for the next. The lack of a blanket answer can raise a rather difficult problem. It is often only after many attempts, carrying with it much trial and error, that a particular method is deemed  useful for the specific individual. Regardless of the method utilized, it is paramount that a significant effort be made  early on. Through reaching these youth early enough, chances are they will not re-offend.

            While many believe juvenile rehabilitation is designed to be a “punishment,” in the majority of cases it is not. Although containing children in facilities may seem like punishment, it should be remembered that both mental and substance rehabilitation often involve people staying in facilities. As juvenile rehabilitation methods widely vary, many are devised more to deter future delinquency and provide strong guidance than to serve as outright punishment.

            As with many laws and rehabilitative strategies, the Juvenile Rehabilitation process varies from one location to the next. In many instances, these strategies can include: boot camps; after-school programs; and incarceration in detention facilities. Possibly some of the most frequent reasons for forcing such children into these programs include truancy, involvement with drugs, and assault.

            Juvenile rehabilitation commonly involves more than locking children up and disciplining them. It more importantly offers such children the opportunity to get involved in skill-building programs, earn educational diplomas, and personalized and intensive counseling, all of which are most likely not available otherwise.

            Within these programs it has become extremely important to ensure these individuals are separated into various classes of offenders.  A better explanation: putting minors who commit lower-scale offenses, such as truancy, with those who have committed harsh crimes such as rape, can have detrimental effects.           

            The question now is, how do we as a society better this rehabilitative process?

            Today, many communities have  begun to focus on reaching out to at-risk juveniles in hopes  of initiating the appropriate steps towards reducing rehabilitative related flaws. Doing this, communities are establishing programs  which have been suggested by the Balanced and Restorative Justice Model, a research project funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). This model offers programs and goals for communities trying to prevent juvenile delinquency and to effectively rehabilitate youthful offenders.

            Additionally, the model urges communities to teach juveniles who commit crimes that their greatest obligations are to their victims, over and above the state. The model also emphasizes creating meaningful rehabilitative programs that provide each youth, upon leaving the juvenile justice system, with at least one meaningful method to earn an honest living.

            The model further reminds communities that the best way to maintain safety is to both create meaningful sports or other programs of interest to at-risk juveniles and establish community groups and individuals willing to help monitor troubled juveniles.

            In greater detail, The OJJDP offers programs that; “address addictions and other self-defeating behaviors through such vehicles as specialty courts; provide eligible juveniles with vocational training programs; expose the destructive aspects of gangs to those who might seek to join them; and help juveniles before or after they commit hate crimes to understand, appreciate and respect people in the community who do not look or act like them or hold similar beliefs” (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2011).

            Possibly the greatest method to assist/rehabilitate such youth is through vocational training programs. The OJJDP urges every type of business group in a community to create programs that will help at-risk juveniles develop skills before they become involved in committing crimes or status offenses.

            One such program, implemented in 1994, is Project CRAFT (Community Restitution and Apprenticeship Focused Training). Specifically focusing on providing youth with a variety of social and job-search skills, along with apprenticeship certificate training in a variety of building skills, The Home Builders Institute has made it a top priority to offer youth the skills necessary to succeed, while at the same time, implementing the importance of being an active and productive citizen in society. (Juvenile programs, 2011).

            A second program deemed to be successful, is the OJJDP’s Juvenile Mentoring Grants Program. This program, utilizes a mentoring process which uses relationships to teach, impart, and institute changes in behaviors and attitudes. Research further indicates that well-implemented mentoring can be a useful strategy in working with at-risk youth and those who experience multiple risk factors for delinquency, school failure and other negative outcomes (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2011).

            As it has been deemed quite successful, many alternative juvenile rehabilitative programs have included education and employment as the primary rehabilitative methods. Using such methods, youth are encouraged to prepare for self-sufficiency by developing job skills, life skills and strategies that help youth to become quality, productive members of their community. Such programs further focus on participants' strengths and assets as well as encourage personal growth. Within these programs, are requirements for participants that may include attendance, full participation and testing for substance abuse. Lastly, research has indicated that Education and Employment programs reduce recidivism rates and prepare youth for long-term success (Sessoms, 2010).

            Through similar methods as previously noted, it can be suggested that to ensure the greatest level of success, rehabilitative approaches need to become a priority within the community. This community rehabilitative approach will by no means eliminate all juvenile criminal activity, however, it will serve to be a productive method in reducing such activity. In turn, reducing such criminal activity, while teaching youth useful skills and the importance of contributing to society, it too will have grave affects on society in an economical sense. With less crime, monies delegated for the incarceration of such youth could then be directed back into the community, further establishing greater athletic and afterschool programs. Taking it a step further, through the implementation of such opportunities, it will provide the youth with more opportunities to become active in programs and activities that society deems acceptable.

            It is a cycle that foresees great success with the youth, the community, and society as a whole. Unfortunately, one will not exist without the other. For this reason, I urge you the reader, the community, to get involved, establish your role in a new, successful method of rehabilitating juveniles.

Sources:

“Juvenile Programs.” (2011). Retrieved from

http://public.getlegal.com/legal-info-center/juvenile-justice/juvenile-programs

“Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.” U.S. Department of Justice-Office of Justice Programs. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2011. Web. 28 Apr 2011 
http://www.ojjdp.gov/programs/ProgSummary.asp?pi=49&ti=&si=&kw=&PreviousPage=ProgResults

Sessoms, G.  (2010, August 15). Alternative Juvenile Programs. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/206501-alternative-justice-programs/

Blog Post #4

Juvenile Drug Use

        Drug use in the U.S. is a topic most would agree to be a growing problem. While the attention of the use and abuse of illicit drugs has largely been correlated to adults, it too has become a more common issue among juveniles.

        To provide a better understanding of the issues relating to juvenile drug use and abuse, this post will make aware: the unfortunate numbers in juvenile drug use; health and long-term effects related thereto; treatment needs and opportunities; and arrests and sentencing as a result of such use.

        While many believe juvenile drug use to be at a state of constant rise, current trends confirm that such use has been at a substantial decline in usage levels. With this decline however, the reduction in youth drug use continues to act as a key component of the President’s National Drug Control Strategy. Studies have shown that the earlier a juvenile initiates drug use, the more likely he/she will develop drug problems later in life (Office of National Drug Control Policy).

         In a 2008 Monitoring the Future study, it was found that, 19.6% of eight graders, 34.1% of tenth graders, and 47.4% of twelfth graders reported using illicit drugs within their lifetimes. Additional information identified from this study, implied that for eighth grade students, in the years 2007 & 2008, 7.4% and 7.6%, respectively, admitted to using illicit drugs within the past month, with 13.2% and 14.1%, respectively admitting use within the past year. Of that same time period, 16.9% and 15.8%, respectively, of tenth grade students admitted to illicit drug use within the past month, with 28.1% and 26.9%, respectively, admitting to such use within the past year. For twelfth grade students during the same time period, 21.9% and 22.3%, respectively, admitted to drug use within the past month, while 35.9% and 36.6%, respectively, admitted to such use within the past year (Johnston, O’Malley, Bachman, and Schulenberg. 2008).

         Additionally, a 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, established the following: 19.7% of students were actively using marijuana; 3.3% using cocaine; 13.3% using inhalants; 2.3% using heroin; 4.4% using meth; 5.8% using ecstasy; and 3.9% using steroids. They further concluded that youths who more actively participated in school activities (i.e., dance lessons, student government, sports, band) during the past year were less likely to have used illicit drugs within the past month than those not participating in such activities. For youths ranging in ages from “12-17 who participated in two or more youth activities, 10.4% had used an illicit drug in the past month. Among youths indicating one or no youth activities in the past year, 17.9% reported past month illicit drug use (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).           

        Next, is the focus on health effects. As it pertains to juvenile drug use, it can be noted that such use by these juveniles greatly increases the possibility that he/she will encounter many related effects. Through persistent substance abuse by juveniles, many often find themselves confronted by academic difficulties, poor peer relationships, health-related problems, and possibly the most unfortunate, involvement with the juvenile justice system.

        The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) notes that, “mental health problems, including depression, developmental lags, apathy, withdrawal, and other psychosocial dysfunctions, are frequently linked to substance abuse among adolescents” (ONDCP). In addition, the ONDCP suggests that those youth involved in substance abuse, are much more likely than non users to experience mental health problems, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, and suicide. In addition to these mental concerns, persistent drug abuse also has correlations to delinquency, arrest, adjudication, and intervention by the juvenile justice system (Office of National Drug Control Policy).
        The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), notes that while substance abuse has not been identified to directly cause delinquent behavior, nor has ones delinquent behavior been linked to cause an increase in drug and alcohol use, it is suggested that the two are strongly correlated and often result in problems both in school and family, increased involvement with negative peer groups, a lack of neighborhood social controls, and physical or sexual abuse (OJJDP).

        In a study reporting the number of people seeking emergency department (ED) treatment related to illicit drug use, the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN),  reported that in 2006, ED drug-related episodes for persons aged 12-17 were estimated to be 58,428. Of these episodes, marijuana was mentioned 44,088 times; cocaine was mentioned 10,984 times; stimulants were mentioned 7,740 times, and MDMA (Ecstasy) was mentioned 4,524 times (Drug Abuse Warning Network).

        With such astounding numbers, it is only right that the next focus be on treatment. In a survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,  it was noted that in 2006, of youths aged between 12 and 17, 2.1 million needed treatment for the usage of illicit drugs and/or alcohol. It was also noted that of this number, only 181,000 received the appropriate treatment from specialty facilities, leaving the remaining 1.9 million juveniles who needed treatment for a substance use problem, on their own (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

        With this information, it is without question that the establishment of further facilities be initiated, while at the same time, increasing the availability of such treatment to those juveniles in need of it.            

        The final issue related to juvenile drug use, is that of arrests and sentencing. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting Program, “109,444 juveniles (under the age of 18) were arrested by state and local law enforcement agencies for drug abuse violations during 2007, representing approximately 10.6% of all drug arrests in which the offender’s age was reported” (FBI-Uniform Crime Report, 2010).

        Additionally, according to preliminary data from the Arrestee Drug Abuse (ADAM) Program, a median of 59.7% of male juvenile detainees and 45.9% of female juvenile detainees tested positive for drug use in 2002 (Office of National Drug Control Policy).

        As is obvious, drug use by juveniles, although currently at a state of decline, is a major concern affecting all of society. While such an issue brings with it an exceeding large financial strain, it too has great affect on the future of our nation. As many have noted, the future of the U.S. is in the hands of our youth. To ensure a prosperous, thriving society, both economically and productively, this issue of juvenile drug use must be further researched and examined,  to assist in the reduction of such extreme numbers. As is the case for many issues, juvenile drug use is not likely to be stopped, it can however, be recognized as an issue that can be reduced.

        Possibly the most substantial method to reduce juvenile drug use and abuse, is to use a proactive approach, implementing further drug awareness programs into schools and communities, connecting with youth at their most influential ages.

        Reaching these youth at a time in which they are most influential, will not only help to reduce the number of youths becoming involved in illicit drug use, it in turn, will help in the reduction of youths needing treatment for such use, as well as lower the numbers of  those becoming involved with the juvenile justice system.

        This issue is not one at the sole responsibility of the government, moreover, it is the responsibility of ALL citizens within society.

        I ask you now to help reduce this issue. Do your part. Get involved.

Sources:

“DAWN.” Drug Abuse Warning Network. Drug Abuse Warning Network, 01 Jan 2001. Web. 14 Apr 2011.

https://dawninfo.samhsa.gov/default.asp.  

“Department of Health and Human Services.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006. Web. 14 Apr 2011.

http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/NSDUH/2K6NSDUH/2K6results.cfm.

“The Federal Bureau of Investigations.” FBI-Uniform Crime Report. Federal Bureau of      Investigations, 2010. Web. 14 Apr 2011.

http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr#ucr_cius.

Johnston, L.D., O’Malley, P.M., Bachman, J.G., & Schulenberg, J.E. (December 11, 2008). “Various stimulant drugs show continuing gradual declines among teens in 2008, most illicit drugs hold steady.” University of Michigan News Service: Ann Arbor, MI. Retrieved 10 Apr 2011 from

http://www.monitoringthefuture.org

  

“Juveniles and Drugs: Facts and Figures.” Office of National Drug Control Policy. Office of National Drug Control Policy, n.d. Web. 14 Apr 2011

http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/juveniles/juvenile_drugs_ff.html.  

Blog Post #3

Juvenile Mental Health Screening

          Mental health illnesses have long been a concern in the U. S.. While the average taxpaying citizen has the opportunity to seek medical attention, those remanded to incarceration are not so fortunate. It is known, that those within the justice system affected by mental illness often lack the ability to get the necessary help to cope with their ailment, at times going unrecognized for great lengths of time. This lack of medical attention regarding mental illness is even more concerning when it concerns  the juvenile/youth offenders dealing with  mental illness 

            From information gathered nationwide, it has been determined that; the areas within the juvenile justice system most in need of further review are: educational programming; addiction treatment; recidivism prevention resources; placement options; and mental health services (Broemmel).

            While many might identify each of these concerns as equally important as the next, the focus of this post will primarily be on mental health services and the issues related thereto as they pertain to juveniles within the juvenile justice system.

            It has been noted by the U.S. Justice Department, as well as other experts in the field, that in today’s society a considerable number of juveniles are troubled with different types of mental health conditions, disorders, and problems. In addition to these issues, many incarcerated juveniles face the insufficiencies of appropriate and suitable mental health services both within as well as outside detention facilities. For those not detained another issue is presented, the lack of community-based services.

            The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), has indicated that while severe mental disorders were thought to be found among approximately twenty percent of the youth in juvenile justice, results  from the latest research have suggested that the figure resides closer to 27 percent (Shufelt & Cocozza, 2006).  To better clarify, this number suggests that more than one quarter of all youth in the juvenile justice system are in significant need of mental health treatment.

            While many are aware of the unmet mental health needs of youth in the Juvenile Justice System, the U.S. Department of Justice has began developing improved strategies designed to identify and respond to those youth involved. One of these strategies is that of mental health screening.

            Mental health awareness within the justice system has been under extreme scrutiny for quite some time. The justice system is currently being challenged to make ‘necessary’ changes. Much research has been done in support of the appropriate changes needed to identify solutions to the issues pertaining to these juvenile mental health awareness insufficiencies. Through such research, it has been determined that the initial response to treating youth affected by mental health issues is to methodically identify each individual’s mental health needs as they become involved with the juvenile justice system. Moreover, it has been identified that to ensure the juvenile’s needs are met, it is of significant importance that mental health screening measures and procedures be implemented and put into practice to identify the mental health needs of youth at their earliest point of contact with the juvenile justice system (Skowyra & Cocozza). In view of the implementation of these practices, today, many juvenile justice agencies and programs throughout the country are routinely performing mental health screening in hopes of identifying such issues upon first interaction.

            Conducting such screenings gives medical professionals and correctional staff alike the appropriate information to better supply care and safety, as well as ensure the greatest living conditions for all juveniles they come in contact with. Providing such measures and procedures to identify the juvenile’s conditions, disorders, and/or problems, the appropriate treatment can be implemented, allowing the juvenile to receive any and all treatment necessary to improve his/her mental stability.

            Having more mentally stable youth in the system, allows greater opportunity to instill higher ethics, morals, standards, and self-worth. Implemented correctly, these values can further guide youth in the appropriate direction to better themselves, ultimately causing substantial increases in cooperation while in the system and opportunity to succeed upon release. A researcher on the issue, Sarah Hammond, has noted that, “Active partnerships with the mental health community and other child-serving organizations can improve the care and treatment of these young people and prompt healthier results for individuals, families and communities” (Hammond, 2007)

            With that said, the issue is not solely ensuring that the juvenile’s mental health needs are met. The screening measures and procedures also are extremely important in identifying the juvenile’s competency. This aspect of the issue addresses those legal concerns surrounding competency while standing trial. For one to best understand the adjudicatory process and to thoughtfully participate in and make decisions as part of that process, the juvenile must be found competent to do so. Establishing competency upon his or her inception can best be conducted through such screening measures and procedures, ensuring that he or she is suitable to stand trial. In the case that he or she is found not to be mentally suitable to stand trial, it will ensure that the juvenile be properly represented throughout his or her trial proceedings (Hammond, 2007).

            Juvenile mental health screening has come a great distance since its inception. It has served to be an extraordinary tool in identifying and providing the appropriate care for today’s youth in the juvenile justice system, as well as establish the juvenile’s necessary level of competency to stand trial. The exclusion of such procedures and measures would undoubtedly result in much greater spending on the mere attempt to identify and treat juvenile mental health needs. In addition, the lack of such measures and procedures will unfortunately disregard the juvenile’s mental competency, resulting in an unequal opportunity to a fair trial. Lastly, it’s absence would mandate more staffing and security in the management of such youth, which in turn would result in a greater demand for higher funding, ultimately affecting the taxpaying citizens of society.

            The importance of juvenile mental health screening, as previously noted, is not to be taken lightly. Rather it is deemed necessary to provide such measures and procedures with the appropriate funding and support to continue the drive in resolving the issues related to juvenile mental health.

Sources:

Broemmel, M. (2011). Problems with juvenile justice. Retreived from http://www.ehow.com/about_5365215_problems-juvenile-justice.html

Hammond, S. (2007, June). Mental health needs of juvenile offenders. Retrieved from http://www.ncsl.org/pring/cj/mentaljjneeds.pdf

Skowyra, K. R., & Cocozza, J. J. (2007). Mental screening within juvenile justice: the next frontier. Retrieved from 

http://www.ncmhjj.com/pdfs/MH_Screening.pdf

Blog Post #2

Life Sentence for a Juvenile?

        

        In today’s society, much attention has been given to juvenile crime. The common

thought by many is, “do the crime, do the time.” To some this phrase says it all, yet to

others this phrase represents all that is wrong with our justice system – both for juveniles

and adults. However, it is no question that sentencing a juvenile to life in prison without

the possibility parole is a controversial topic.

        The intent of this blog, is not to persuade the public to choose a position on the

issue, rather it is to supply the open-minded reader with the knowledge and information

necessary to develop a rational, non-biased opinion. Furthermore, this blog will focus

primarily on the concerns of sentencing juveniles to a life sentence.

        In an article by David Greenwald, he notes, “… [in California] each new youth

offender given this sentence will cost the state upwards of $2.5 million” (Greenwald).

With that said, it is suffice to say that this sentencing process not only affects the

juvenile, but also the taxpayer. Better said, it affects all of society. Could this be the

representation of our tax dollars hard at work or hardly working? Is it possible that

society has merely become complacent with the notion that the problem will be resolved

by placing the juvenile into the justice system? Can we as society, not better develop a

legitimate fix for the problem, one that not only saves money, but more importantly saves

juveniles?

        While Greenwald identifies the monetary concern of sentencing juveniles to life

in prison, Assistant Chief Probation Officer, Christine Armer, focuses on an entirely

different concern. Her concern, equally as important to that of Greenwald’s, identifies the

likelihood of re-offending by juveniles. In a written statement, Armer noted that, “8

percent [of juveniles] went on to commit more than half of the repeat offenses and [were]

likely to become career criminals" (HollisterFreelance.com). As suggested, her research

concludes that only a small percentage of offenders will become repeat, habitual/career

criminals. With this re-offender percentage taken into account, it can further be suggested

that the states and the nation moreover, are throwing away endless amounts of money for

unjustifiable and illogical reasons. With only 8% of juveniles likely to become reoffenders,

it is only rational to suggest that all monies spent on the remaining percentage

of life sentence juveniles, those unlikely to re-offend, have been done in such a way that

simply advocates injustice. Ironically, while we see this reoccurring outcome of injustice,

we see it too, to be the actions of a great nation that takes pride in the enforcement of

“justice for all”.

        Evidence further suggests it is more cost productive to afford juveniles an

alternative form of punishment. Marc Levin, Esq. notes that in the state of Texas, “saving

a youth from becoming a chronic offender results in $1.7 million to $2.3 million in

avoided lifetime costs to taxpayers and victims” (Levin). In better explanation, Levin’s

data suggests identifying an alternative approach to juvenile sentencing. By way of

incorporating an alternative method, appropriate investments can be made, and the

implementation of correcting delinquent acts committed by juvenile’s can be initiated.

The result of initiating an alternative approach? The reductions in repeat crime offenses,

repeat crime offenders, and reckless spending.

        The last issue of this area, and possibly the most deserving of further research, is

that of juvenile brain development. Yian Lo of Neuro Law Blog notes that, “immature

development in the frontal lobe means that a juvenile is less capable of controlling their

impulses and understanding future consequences … these findings do not suggest that a

juvenile is incapable of distinguishing right from wrong, but just [maintains] less

executive control and foresight during a momentary impulse” (Lo). With the previously

noted confirmation, and through factual supportive data, it is suggested that this topic remains in need of further review. Furthermore, it is in society’s best interest, that we develop an alternative to this extreme sentencing.

        The research previously mentioned does not imply that the criminal justice system

be rid of juvenile life sentencing; rather, it charges society to determine the appropriate

actions to better resolve an ongoing problem.
        The youth of today are the future of tomorrow. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to develop an alternative form of sentencing that will be more beneficial to all of society.

Sources:


Greenwald, David. “Yolo Judicial Watch.” Effort At Juvenile Justice Reform Triggers War of Words Between Sac DA and Senator Yee. Yolo Judicial Watch, 05 Aug 2010. Web. 25 Feb 2011
http://davisvanguard.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3647:effort-at-juvenile-justice-reform-triggers-war-of-words-between-sac-da-and-senator-yee&Itemid=100


Levin, Mark. “Getting More for Less in Juvenile Justice.” Texas Public Policy Foundation. Center for Effective Justice, Mar 2010. Web. 25 Feb 2011
http://www.njjn.org/media/resources/public/resource_1535.pdf

“Tracking repeat juvenile offenders.” HollisterFreelance.com. Hollister Free Lance News, 24 Feb 2011
http://www.freelancenews.com/news/62293-tracking-repeat-juvenile-offenders

Lo, Yian.  “Are Juveniles Offenders Incorrigible”?.” NeuroLaw Blog. NeuroLaw Blog, 23 Nov 2010. Web. 25 Feb 2011
http://blog.neulaw.org/?p=1569

Blog Post #1

Juvenile Delinquency Prevention

          Increasing rates of juvenile incarceration have become one of the most recognizable and costly social problems of today.  It is naturally  easier to turn our attention away from juvenile offenders; and, our society has established  its norm  as taking the easy way out. Many suggest the most logical way to rid society of these perceived criminals is to send them away and let them become the state’s burden. However, the lack of public knowledge allows the costly effects and repercussions of incarcerating young offenders  to remain unknown to the majority of society.  

            In December 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the juvenile population to be 74,548,215 (U.S. Census Bureau).  Of the total juvenile population, approximately 93,000 were being held in juvenile detention facilities. In the United States, the estimated total cost per day, to house juveniles in  all of the detention facilities nationwide   is $7.1 million (Justice Policy Institute). It was  noted that states spent  nearly $5.7 billion per year imprisoning the youth of America (Justice Policy Institute).

             Money spent on incarcerating young offenders can more logically be used to offer them the opportunity to live a more productive and contributing life. Juvenile offenders, although perceived to be destined to live a life of crime, are much more likely to commit themselves to a life free of crime, given the proper direction and support.

            How would we go about helping the juveniles? The first step, is to recognize the contributing factors that lead the particular juvenile to engage in delinquent activities. Through exploration and research,  the  factors that set the juvenile(s) into his or her delinquent lifestyle can be determined. Through the incorporation of moneys allotted to incarcerate juveniles, delinquency prevention programs can be further established These programs can then help develop more honest, intelligent, and socially contributing individuals.

            Through the use of moneys invested in juvenile delinquency prevention, areas  - such as in education, recreation, community involvement, and parent-child interaction training -  can  develop a more  proactive approach to ensure juveniles gain the attention and support they need to develop a stable position in society. To elaborate on these areas:  in education, children can be taught at early ages the effects of drugs, gangs, sex, and weapons. Through recreation, time that would have otherwise resulted in delinquent acts, would  instead be used to develop positive friendships, personalities, and skills, as well as promote positive group activities such as sports. “The Department of Education reported that youths are most likely to commit crimes between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., with crime rates peaking at 3 p.m.” (Juvenile Delinquency Prevention). As for community involvement, “groups such as girl scouts and boy scouts, better provide youth the experience and opportunity to interact in a safe social environment” (Juvenile Delinquency Prevention). Finally, beneficial parent-child interaction will better establish a knowledgeable relationship between both the child and the parent. With this relationship in place,  parents have the necessary tools to better provide their child with appropriate living conditions and access to community programs.

              

            In the current time of national financial hardship, it is appropriate to revert the spending on incarcerating juveniles, to that of establishing a stronger foundation for the youth of America,  This action  will be a more proactive form of law enforcement and community assistance. Through reverting funding from its current focus, society will better be able to provide a more equitable, secure, and purposeful life to juveniles. Equitable, secure, and purposeful juveniles will further establish a stronger and more focused future. The future is in our hands! The children of the United States need help!  

            The next step? Develop a stronger focus on assisting juveniles pre-crime. Invest more in education, community recreation, and after school programs. Teach the children, who are the future of the United States, right from wrong. Give juveniles the opportunity to explore, assert, and reach their fullest potential. Exhaust all means necessary to ensure the children of today’s society have the direction, opportunities, and safety required to live productive lives.

            Stop delinquency before it starts. Help a child. Become involved.

Sources:


"U.S. Census Bureau." U.S. & World Population Clocks. N.p., 21 Dec 2010. Web 10 Feb 2011.
http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html 

"Justice Policy Institute."The Cost of Confinement: Why Good Juvenile Justice Policies Make Good Fiscal Sense. Justice Policy Institute, May 2009. Web. 10 Feb 2011 http://justicepolicy.org/images/upload/09_05_REP_CostsOfConfinement_JJ_PS.pdf

"Juvenile Delinquency Prevention." Juvenile Delinquency Prevention> Education, Recreation, Community Involvement. Einstein Law, 2008. Web. 10 Feb 2011. 
http://www.lawyershop.com/practice-areas/criminal-law/juvenile-law/prevention