Juvenile delinquency ranks among the top social menaces in the modern world. Apparently, the menace is rampant in the developed world, where young people are exposed to a variety of novel ways of doing things. The effectiveness of the juvenile justice programs has been a topic of concern for a considerably long time. According to gurus in the field of rehabilitation, the programs could be more effective if they embraced the ten evidence based practice principles and rehabilitation approaches (Martin, 2005). This paper discusses the ten principles in light of juvenile rehabilitation.
Assess the actuarial risk and need
In the context of juvenile rehabilitation, assessing the risk concerns itself with evaluating the likelihood that the lawbreaker will engage in the activities that landed them in the correctional facility (Law & MacDermid, 2008). This may involve the use of such assessment tools as The Level of Service-Case Management Inventory (LS-CML).
Enhance intrinsic motivation
This principle concerns itself with the efforts of the authorities to have those juveniles that are willing to change motivated by the helping professionals. Such intrinsic motivation may take the form of continuous appraisal, as well as guidance and counseling.
Target intervention
This principle advocates for multidisciplinary approaches to having the delinquents see the need for leading a life devoid of trouble with the authorities.
Enhance offenders’ skills with directed practice
Apparently, all offenders that are brought to book possess some skill, be it innate or acquired. Social scientists recommend that such skills should be enhanced through supervised training and technical support.
Provide positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior
Positive reinforcement means that the authorities should engage such concepts as guidance and continuous counseling as well as religious intervention and never-ending encouragement.
Engage ongoing support for the offenders in their natural environment
This entails a meticulous follow up by the authorities as the individual offenders interact with their peers in normal circumstances.
Evaluate the response
The major objective of this principle is to observe responsiveness of the individual to such things as guidance and professional counseling (Martin, 2005). The analysts will be better placed to ascertain whether the change in the individual is progressive or otherwise.
Measure the outcomes
Measuring the outcomes of the guidance and professional help may take various forms. The first and most prominent form is taking comparative probabilities through a repeat of the first principle.
Provide measurement feedback
Providing feedback to the individuals under the rehabilitation program is a way of motivating them as well as encouraging progressive change. This principle is vital in determining the tenth principle.
Integration with community
Having the delinquents in rehabilitation interact with the community is a challenging task. As such, the authorities have to prepare the psychology of the delinquents for the process.
Apparently, from the foregoing discussion, these principles are among the most noteworthy ways of having the juvenile justice systems succeed. This is because the ten principles work to enhance the quality and efficacy of the correctional facilities, while converting the delinquents into useful members of society (Law & MacDermid, 2008). The principles prepare the delinquents for a fresh start through such an approach that they will not be willing to re-offend.
References
Law, M. C., & MacDermid, J. (2008). Evidence-based rehabilitation: A guide to practice. Thorofare, NJ: Slack.
Martin, G. (2005). Juvenile justice: Process and systems. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
