...Juvenile Sentencing Alternatives to Incarceration David Schuster Oakland Community College Abstract There are many different ways to punish a juvenile for a crime that they have committed. The most common is incarceration, otherwise known as jail or prison. This option has many disadvantages. I will explore the different aspects of incarceration: how it affects the juveniles, and if, over all, it is an effective way to punish young criminals. I will then present several alternatives to incarceration, now being used, such as: community diversion, counseling, education, behavior management, probation, as well as other methods that not only punish the juvenile, but also provide an opportunity for rehabilitation. For this paper, when talking about incarceration and community alternatives as sentencing options, I intend for them to be applied to the not as serious juvenile crimes. Status offenses, minor in possession, breaking and entering, and minor burglary charges would fall into this category. However, I think for more serious, violent crimes there is less discretion as to punishment options, and therefore most community alternatives may not apply to them. Keywords: Incarceration, community alternatives, juvenile delinquents Juvenile Sentencing Alternatives to Incarceration Incarceration for juveniles in this country is largely based upon our criminal justice system for adults. As Jeffery Fagen (2010) states in his article, there are many similarities between...
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...Public Personnel Case Study Abstract This paper will address the functionality of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. First, it will examine the Agency as a whole and then it will explore the individuality of sectors within the agency. Second, the paper will discuss the different ways that the agency survives and serves the community. The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice plays a vital role in the success of at risk youth and maintaining a secure structure to assist youth that end up in troublesome situations. Introduction The public service of assisting youth may be one of the most difficult jobs around. Not only does the job have to consider what is in the best interest of the child but it also has to satisfy the child’s parents. Therefore choosing the right individuals to fulfill the dynamic roles within this public service is vital. The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is an agency dedicated to assisting at risk youth with correcting negative behaviors so that they can one day become more responsible members of the community. In order for this agency to accomplish this goal they have to seek resources from many different avenues. Moreover, they have to assure that the quality of life for the housed youth are humane. This is done through proper care, continuous education, and providing the right rehabilitative services possible to name a few. This means drawing in a wide range of candidates to fill positions. DJJ...
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...Juvenile Delinquency American Intercontinental University Online ENGL107-1101B-36: English Composition II Dr. Julie Pal-Agrawal, Instructor By: Charles Inabnitt Abstract The definition of a child that has emotional outrage of pain or anger as defined in society today is suggested to become a trouble youth. Living the life of a challenged child hood is some of the factors that may contribute to the factors of juvenile delinquency. The children of the future are in trouble of being locked up before they get a chance to live their life. “Today, Juvenile facilities nationwide hold some 104,000 offenders” (Cannon, Beiser, 2004, p.29). Out of the 21 million that live in the United States the stated number from above is questionable. Why are there so many, is there a reason for this, and what is being done to understand this? These are questions that may pop into your head as read the first statement. Technologies, pressure from parents, acceptance from society are three factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency. First we begin with the pressures of parents or the pressures that they may apply to their children. I read an article that the author says it best. We live in a society that often puts too much stress on financial success and not enough on personal well-being. Because of this parents understandably can over-focus on guiding their children towards a lucrative career rather than giving them time and space to find their own path in life. (Steve, 2008) ...
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...Final Essay Informative Prompt In today’s society the youth have been subjected to a vast amount of violence and criminal acts that were not addressed correctly. This caused the youth to believe that some crimes will go unpunished because they are minors and not “accountable” for their actions which is wrong. This causes these adolescents to act out and commit crimes and not get a suitable punishment. One question that is raised often is when should juvenile offenders should receive life sentences? My personal answer to that question is only when the child has committed murder/murders then they should receive a life sentence with a chance of parole that is the only exception. I strongly believe this due to the fact that if the child...
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...system often deals with young offenders to adult offenders. The term young offender is applied to different age group depending on the age of criminal responsibility. In the United Kingdom there are three separate and distinct criminal justice systems; in England and Wales the age set for young offenders is 10 years and in Scotland the age for criminal responsibility is set at 12 (need citation). II. In a study conducted by Brookins and Hirsch (2002) entitled “Innocence Lost: Case Studies of Children in the Juvenile Justice System” the two talks about how the juvenile justice system is ineffective in working with young juveniles in helping them integrate with their families and communities based on reports. They pointed out the juvenile justice system lacks in providing information on the young offenders and family backgrounds as well as their efforts in engaging justice and social services to them over time. In addition, there seems to have a downward age trend in juvenile cases, the youngest being a six-year old. The research proposes examining this issue using the developmental perspective including family...
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...Scared Straight Todays youth at a glance is becoming more troubling by the day as social media trends such as the “Knockout Game”, schoolyard fights, along with sprees of theft and even in some cases acts of murder. We are living in a time where the parental relationships with children are at a state of degeneration, as many kids within different demo-graphs are high risk to be involved with these activities and in most cases dire outcomes. Numerous cases of theft, violence, and general delinquency are becoming top tier phenomenon’s, as general delinquency mode of operation for this adolescent generation. As we make an analysis of this ordeal as a whole, one would find that there are many factors that can be said to be the common denominator in its contribution to so many misguided children and young adults. We are moving out an age where child and parental communication is being hindered as the general family structures of todays home are growing into a state of total degeneracy. Many children and teens often grow up in single parent homes and are exposed to inconsistencies in discipline, physical, verbal and substance substance abuse only to go to a school to interact with a social group that thrives in these themes in a more concentrated manner. Interestingly enough, the effect of these causes tends to end in outcomes that can’t be redeemed lightly from as many kids, undergo long-term sentences in juvenile detention. Other obstacles such as teens and young adults...
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...Chapter 7. DELINQUENCY Juvenile among young people, as they negotiate the transition from childhood to adulthood in an increasingly complex and confusing world, is the issue that this chapter first examines. Some basic assumptions relating to delinquent behaviour are presented, followed by a description of the various factors underlying or contributing to this phenomenon. Some regional variations are highlighted. Effective approaches and measures for preventing juvenile delinquency are detailed, with particular attention given to the development of educational, professional development and community programmes, improvements in family relations and parenting skills, and the value of restorative justice for both perpetrators and victims. The chapter concludes with a summary and recommendations for future action. Delinquent and criminal behaviour For many young people today, traditional patterns guiding the relationships and transitions between family, school and work are being challenged. Social relations that ensure a smooth process of socialization are collapsing; lifestyle trajectories are becoming more varied and less predictable. The restructuring of the labour market, the extension of the maturity gap (the period of dependence of young adults on the family) and, arguably, the more limited opportunities to become an independent adult are all changes influencing relationships with family and friends, educational opportunities and choices, labour market participation...
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...Chapter 7. DELINQUENCY Juvenile among young people, as they negotiate the transition from childhood to adulthood in an increasingly complex and confusing world, is the issue that this chapter first examines. Some basic assumptions relating to delinquent behaviour are presented, followed by a description of the various factors underlying or contributing to this phenomenon. Some regional variations are highlighted. Effective approaches and measures for preventing juvenile delinquency are detailed, with particular attention given to the development of educational, professional development and community programmes, improvements in family relations and parenting skills, and the value of restorative justice for both perpetrators and victims. The chapter concludes with a summary and recommendations for future action. Delinquent and criminal behaviour For many young people today, traditional patterns guiding the relationships and transitions between family, school and work are being challenged. Social relations that ensure a smooth process of socialization are collapsing; lifestyle trajectories are becoming more varied and less predictable. The restructuring of the labour market, the extension of the maturity gap (the period of dependence of young adults on the family) and, arguably, the more limited opportunities to become an independent adult are all changes influencing relationships with family and friends, educational opportunities and choices, labour market participation, leisure...
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...Juvenile sentencing guidelines are designed to establish a process through which juvenile offenders have the opportunity to access a variety of resources to allow for rehabilitation and being let back into the community as a law abiding citizens.Up until the mid-point of the 20th century, the sentences imposed on juveniles in the court system were similar to those just like adults convicted of crimes. Sentences given to juveniles emphasized punishment over rehabilitation during this time period. Ultimately, juvenile sentencing changed from punishment to rehabilitation, something that continues to this day. This is an introduction to Juvenile Justice in America. Since the 1990s, youth crime rates have gone up . These falling crime rates have led many jurisdictions to rethink the juvenile justice practices that happen in the 1980s and 1990s. Today, states are using major reforms designed to reduce institutional confinement, closed old 19th century era reform schools, and expand community-based interventions.In the late 18th and early 19th century, courts punished and confined youth in jails and penitentiaries. Since few other options existed, youth of all ages and genders where often confined with hardened adult criminals and the mentally ill in large overcrowded institutions. At the same time, American cities were dealing with high rates of child poverty and neglect putting pressure on city leaders to find a solution to this growing social issue. In response, reformers Thomas...
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...Restorative Justice XXXXXXXXX American Military University Professor Michael Beshears CMRJ316 Correction and Incarceration January 20, 2011 Abstract The general disillusion with the present punishment-based and rehabilitative approaches to crime control has created a political climate ripe for reform. A new move based on the premise of accountability and remedial has great appeal. While restorative justice seems to guarantee a distinct third alternative, the imprecise use of the emerging "vocabulary of restoration" has created as much confusion as clarity about the fundamental concepts of the new paradigm. Restorative justice has come to mean all things to all people. I agree with Walgrave and Bazemore: “A coherent definition and vision should serve as a unifying focus for reflection and experimentation among practitioners and scientists, and should inform policy makers and the public about what restorative justice is and is not” (Bazemore and Walgrave, 1999a, p. 46). Restorative justice, as a practice, has a history older than state justice does, yet the example of restorative justice has only recently begun to be expressed. Since Howard Zehr's book Changing Lenses (1990) first sketched the outlines of the restorative justice example, little agreement principles have evolved (McCold, 1998c). Recently, two competing definitions of restorative justice have been brought...
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...REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9344 April 23, 2006 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE SYSTEM, CREATING THE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE COUNCIL UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: TITLE I GOVERNING PRINCIPLES CHAPTER 1 TITLE, POLICY AND DEFINITION OF TERMS SECTION 1. Short Title and Scope. – This Act shall be known as the “Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.” It shall cover the different stages involving children at risk and children in conflict with the law from prevention to rehabilitation and reintegration. SEC. 2. Declaration of State Policy. – The following State policies shall be observed at all times: a. The State recognizes the vital role of children and youth in nation building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs. b. The State shall protect the best interests of the child through measures that will ensure the observance of international standards of child protection, especially those to which the Philippines is a party. Proceedings before any authority shall be conducted in the best interest of the child and in a manner which allows the child to participate and to express himself/herself...
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...Juvenile Justice: A Lost Child in a Failed System I remember one day when I was a child, I was about four years old and my sister was about 10 years old. We were on vacation with our parents in a beautiful resort. Our room was on the 15th floor of the Sea Coast Towers. Before I continue the story I have to make clear, my sister and have always been very close; we were inseparable. Until we read about Christian Fernandez, this story used to be a family joke. I had fallen asleep and my parents were going to take that opportunity to have a quick cocktail at the bar. Apparently I had woken up and began to cry uncontrollably. My sister did her best to try and get me to stop, but how do you stop a cry baby from crying? My sister remembers stepping out to the balcony because of her frustration and looking down; she says that in her head she was telling herself that it was not a long a fall and that I was so chunky that I would bounce. Thank goodness my parents came back to the room before she could entertain her thoughts! I first learned about Christian Fernandez about nine months ago. I was browsing through my AOL news when I saw the headline “Florida Boy to Be Charged as an Adult”. It immediately caught my attention. I began to read the story of a 12 year old boy, Fernandez who was left taking care of his 5 year old brother and his two year old brother. Fernandez pushed his two- year- old brother into a book shelf twice, knocking the toddler unconscious. When...
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...Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement (Wickersham Commission Report on Alcohol Prohibition) I have signed the report of the Commission, although as is probably inevitable when eleven people of different antecedents and temperaments endeavor to agree upon a contentious subject, it is more or less of a compromise of varying opinions. In so far as it states facts, I believe it to be generally accurate. Every effort has been made to make it so. I should have preferred to have it state more facts and fewer broad generalizations from unstated facts. But the difficulties in securing accurate statistics, owing to the unsystematic and unscientific manner in which they are commonly kept in this country, often makes it impossible to get reliable statements of fact, although there may be sufficient available information to afford a fairly reliable basis of generalization. I am in entire accord with the conclusions "that enforcement of the National Prohibition Act made a bad start which has affected enforcement ever since"; that "it was not until after the Senatorial investigation of 1926 had opened people's eyes to the extent of law breaking and corruption that serious efforts were made" to coordinate "the federal services directly and indirectly engaged in enforcing prohibition," and that not until after the act of 1927 had extended the Civil Service law over the enforcement agents, were there the beginnings of such an organization as might have been expected to command the respect of other...
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...DRUGS AND ALCOHOL Introduction The use and misuse of alcohol and other non-prescription drugs is one of the more controversial issues in our society, and often a source of conflict between generations and between sections of society. It’s not the purpose of this page – or of the NTU student counselling service – to tell people how to behave or to seek to label them as alcohol or drug abusers. However alcohol and other drugs are powerful substances with a potential to harm users; we would encourage people to take care of themselves when considering using them and to avoid taking any risks which they might regret later. No universal classifications ignore the fact that significant alcohol and drug use is an accepted part of many social groups. What is seen as risky or inappropriate behaviour by one group is accepted as normal by another. Use of drink and drugs can be classified as – 1. Abstinent – no use is made 2. Controlled – people have made a conscious decision have evaluated the risks and can stop if they want. 3. Impulsive – use is unpredictable and can lead to unexpected accidents and harm. However this is not continual or dependent use. 4. Habitual – the use of alcohol or drugs have become a significant and important part of the person’s lifestyle. Stopping would not be easy. 5. Dependent – there is a high degree of physical and psychological addiction. Alcohol and drug use disrupts or rules the person’s life. Stopping is not possible without considerable support...
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...Project Evaluation Section I – Evaluation Theory in General The Minor Adjustment, new vision project is a 10 weeks program that motivates youth to succeed against all odds. In the conclusion of the project the evaluation will take place. The program evaluation is a systematic process of determining whether or not Minor Adjustment new vision project was successful (Babbie, 2007). Program evaluation is so important; it assesses the program’s effectiveness. The purpose of evaluation is to integrate planning, implementation, evaluation and reporting. In addition, the evaluation sees success and learns from it (Babbie, 2007). It also, recognizes failure and provides the opportunity to correct it. The Minor Adjustment, New Vision project evaluation will consist of two different types, formative and summative. Formative evaluation is generally any evaluation that takes place before or during a project’s implementation with the aim of improving the project’s design and performance. A formative evaluation strengthens or improves the program. Formative evaluation often lends itself to qualitative methods of inquiry. The questions asked in formative evaluation are generally more open and lead to exploration of processes, both from the viewpoint of participants, but also from that of project staff and investors (Kettner, Moroney, & Martin, 2008). The use of participatory evaluation is particularly relevant and appropriate to formative evaluation. Formative evaluation complements...
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