Abstract
Juvenile delinquency in the United States is steadily increasing at an alarming rate. The age pool of offenders keeps on decreasing even for violent crimes such as homicide and rape. It is unclear on how the society deteriorated in successive decades since the 1970s crack cocaine epidemic. Street gangs took over droves of students into their establishments while promising acceptance. The programs that came to the aid of the criminal justice system were two pronged. The primary program is prevention. This program holds the potential to safeguard schoolchildren who are yet to succumb to the pressures and circumstances around them. They are leading crimeless lives. They will utilize the prevention programs to diminish their chances leaning towards crime. The second aspect of juvenile delinquency is restoration of those youngsters who are already in the system serving sentences. These youngsters will undergo treatment programs to become emotionally and psychologically competent for reentering society. In all, it is mandatory to identify which programs will remain beneficial and ensure not to invest in programs that will not yield desired results. The future of the nation hinges on the outcome.
Introduction
Juvenile delinquency in the United States used to be a division of the Justice Department that dealt with minor criminal activity for young children until age seventeen. Eighteen year-olds face trials as adults. The criminal activity committed by the children was skipping school, running away from home, vandalism, shoplifting, and underage drinking. The sentences were predominantly community service related or house arrests. In the last few decades, juveniles are facing serious charges such as armed robbery, firearm charges, violent crimes including homicide and rape, substance abuse, driving under influence, and aggravated assault. Moreover, the recidivism rates are on the rise for children of all races. In addition, repeat offenders return to the system having committed more serious charges than the previous occasion. Therefore, there is a genuine need for preventing juvenile delinquency. It is also important to treat the wards who are serving sentences (Weigel, 2011).
Juvenile delinquency prevention
The US Department of Justice incorporates a variety of juvenile delinquency prevention programs in the last three decades. This measure is to counter the escalation of violence and recidivism among juveniles during that period. Prevention programs are in operation by law enforcement agencies along with school districts, community centers, and youth centers. The prevention programs provide mentoring, counseling, awareness, and education. The programs are for both students and parents to ensure there are follow up activities. The goals of the prevention programs are to empower students and parents to involve themselves proactively in increasing immunity towards delinquency. For example, a school conducts a program to help students in decision-making skills by analyzing the pros and cons. This program will help young children to make the right decisions when they face a difficult situation.
Fundamental principles of juvenile delinquency prevention
There are six fundamental principles of juvenile delinquency prevention programs. They are,
Juvenile delinquency prevention is essential to curb criminalistics attitudes from youngsters. These programs should portray the legal considerations, focus on activities that enrich the community, and provide a holistic view on the importance of positively affecting society.
Juvenile delinquency prevention is a societal commitment towards the younger generation. It is not just a Justice Department issue; it is also a social problem.
The youth of today will respond positively to their senior peers in society. Hence, it is important to utilize young adults for the commissioning of these programs.
A strict implementation of guidelines prescribed by the Justice Department and the commitment to create accountability among authority figures whom young people interact with constantly.
Avoiding criminalization of minor offences such as zero tolerance school related offences.
Providing avenues for youngsters to educate and equip themselves in subjects that can help them make the right decisions when the situation demands. Special focus for children who are at-risk or vulnerable.
Newer laws and sentences that positively influence youngsters involved in juvenile delinquency.
Intervention from authority figures should only focus on the best interest of the child.
Efforts to preserve the welfare and immediate requirements of all young children.
Allowing young children to mature in their actions to allow a smooth transition into adulthood.
Not using labeling against young children that may influence their behavior forthwith.
Establishing a network of social communities to enable the youngsters to learn and participate in various prevention programs.
Using formal control agencies such as law enforcement or child welfare services as the last resort.
(Child Rights International Network, 1990)
Types of Juvenile delinquency prevention programs and their effectiveness
There are seven types of juvenile delinquency prevention programs. This section briefly describes these programs and analyzes their effectiveness.
Classroom based educational awareness programs
These programs have young counselors or subject matter experts conducting classes for students. Subjects will range from awareness on dangerous substances such as contraband pills to safe sex and contraceptive related information. These are topics that require awareness among the student body. The programs enable students to make decisions based on reasoning. Instead of giving a list of dos and don’ts, these programs equip students to face life everyday with the ability to make legally smart decisions.
Effectiveness check
The first social environment that children encounter in their lives is in their schools. Peer pressure will dominate proceedings in this environment. Street gangs gain recruits from schools when students struggle to find acceptance among their peers. The learning that they take from these sessions will create positive morale for the participants. They are in a classroom along with their peers, hence the opportunity for ridicule or bullying diminish significantly. The programs provide a rare opportunity for peers to channel their pursuits in the right direction. This form of peer pressure is invaluable in a student group. The “keepin’ it REAL” program is an example of this type of prevention program. These programs are becoming increasingly successful in school districts across the world.
Afterschool recreational programs
Organizing an assortment of activities afterschool for children will help them stay away from criminal behavior. Studies indicate that schoolchildren are susceptible to commit crimes between 2pm and 8pm. Hence, the presence of activities such as dances, sports, martial arts, fine arts, science clubs, and theatre will provide an opportunity for schoolchildren to remain on campus for these activities.
Effectiveness check
The programs allow students to explore their talents and engage in their hobbies along with their friends. These activities will enable students to build their self-esteem. Often, the student who succumbs to negative peer pressure has low self-esteem. Moreover, the activities will help students discover the talents of their classmates and friends; close friends can positively influence a child’s life. These activities will enhance a child’s social status within the school; an important ingredient in resisting criminal behavior. Since several of these activities require constant practice, the youngsters will not have time to experiment with crime.
Scouts and volunteer programs
These programs provide the students with qualities that define social responsibility. In addition, the groups provide a safe interaction environment for the children.
Effectiveness check
Social responsibility is an indispensable component for lawful behavior. Involvement in scouts or volunteer programs will help students to forget about their problems and shortcomings. In addition, community service related work is one of the most effective crime prevention programs. It is also a program that helps students to explore their opportunities to contribute positively in society. These programs are successful for students, first-time offenders, and even violent criminals.
Nurse home visitation programs
This program requires single mothers to register with the State for nurse visitation during pregnancy and afterwards. The program will enable the single parent to utilize the services of a nurse in raising her child. This is an early intervention program and is highly successful.
Effectiveness check
Studies indicate that children raised by single mothers have a seventy percent chance of offending when compared to a child with the support of both parents. A single mother will not have the luxury of providing childcare while she is at work. Hence, the child will grow up in the neighborhood and increase the chances of leading a life of crime. The reason for this is that a single mother will often be unable to provide accommodation for her child in a middleclass neighborhood. She will only be in a position to afford a low-income tenement. These housing blocks are usually swarming with criminal activity. The presence of a nurse on the other hand, provides the child with a reliable caregiver. Hence, the presence of the nurse reduces the child’s leaning towards criminal activity by almost sixty percent.
Parent-child interaction enhancement programs
This is a twelve-week program for parents of wards with troublesome behavior. The program, conducted by experienced therapists will guide parents on the appropriate behavior for specific scenarios presented. This scenario-based training will help parents become effective caregivers who interact positively with their children.
Effectiveness check
Children spend the majority of their time at home and with their parents. If parents do not interact positively with their wards, it will lead to a situation of neglect. Most of the parents of cyber bullying victims had no idea of what their child was up to until it was too late. Fostering a positive relationship between parents and children is the most important element that will prevent a child from leaning towards criminal behavior. Hence, this program will witness considerable success if implemented properly by the parent.
Anti-bullying programs
Bullying is a significant problem on school campuses. Bullies start out early in junior high or in elementary school levels. The anti-bullying programs usually have students fill out survey forms with questions pertaining to offenders and locations on campus where the bullying takes place. Once the school administration has the information, they will set rules. In addition, they will organize therapies for the offender and victims alike.
Effectiveness check
Scare tactics do not work with students. Hence, rules might not improve the situation. Although surveys are anonymous, the students have to fill out the name of the bullies. Should the form reach the bully, he/she will be in a position to identify the informant. Schools have a social structure to prevent students from telling on each other. The ‘no snitching’ rules apply strictly to this structure. In schools, there is no scope for anonymity and even at elementary school; no one likes a ‘rat’ (informant). Hence, it is highly unlikely that the school managements will actually manage to extract information from young children without seriously damaging their social structure.
Mentoring programs
Mentoring programs often involve a teenager taking the role of a mentor for an elementary schoolchild. The mentoring will involve social relationships, societal commitments, academics, peer pressure, and decision-making skills. The mentor will guide the young child from experience.
Effectiveness check
The mentoring program is an ideal way to create a role model for the child. The positive behavior and attitude exhibited by the mentor will affect the behavior of the child also. Hence, this program will meet with considerable success.
(Einstein Law, 2015)
Juvenile delinquency treatment
Juvenile delinquency treatment is applicable for youngster within the system after the commissioning of a criminal act. The recipients of the treatment are usually serving their sentences for juvenile delinquency. The goal of this program is to intervene in the lives of juvenile offenders and prepare them for re-entry into society. The treatment programs focus on various aspects of the juvenile offender’s emotional and psychological needs. Successfully treated juveniles will not transform into repeat offenders.
Fundamental principles of juvenile delinquency treatment
There are seven basic principles that dictate juvenile delinquency treatment. They are,
Treating children as per their age and level of maturity.
Provide funding only for programs that have a history of success.
Treat all children equally and do not discriminate based on race.
Provide equal treatment for populations of gay, and lesbian.
Always take help from families and share authority.
Allocations for stay at for-profit facilities should not include stipulations for children from low-income communities.
Should supervise as an independent entity and not as someone who is part of the system.
(Shannon, 2015)
Types of Juvenile delinquency treatment programs and their effectiveness
There are nine types of Juvenile delinquency treatment programs. This section will discuss the programs briefly and analyze their effectiveness.
Change influenced thinking
This treatment influences young offenders into making responsible decisions. The program will present a set of scenarios to the young offenders and guide them to take the correct decision despite the adversity.
Effectiveness check
This treatment is restorative since it is not focusing on the crime. It is only enabling a young offender weigh the pros and cons before deciding on a course of action. The program is not about specifics and allows the youngster to explore all the legal options before choosing. This program will be successful on account of this factor.
Anger Management
This treatment empowers youngsters to deal with anger positively in pressing circumstances. This program is critical for the reentry process.
Effectiveness check
The majority of violent crimes happen due to the negative expression of anger. It is temperamental behavior that causes several hundred defendants to breakdown during their trials. A moment’s outburst ruins the futures of at least two people. Hence, the treatment for anger management becomes critical to the successful reentry of any violent criminal. Situation based trainings have a stronger success rate comparatively and it is a clear indication that this treatment will bring about desired outcomes.
Victim Awareness
This treatment takes the young offenders through the lives of their victims. This exercise will enable the offenders to ascertain the extent of damage they inflicted on their victims.
Effectiveness check
Confronting their own actions while gauging the victims’ loss can be unnerving. However, this treatment will restore social responsibility for the participant. Hence, while implementing the same exercise after release will enable the offender to steer clear of criminal activity.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Thousands of crimes in the United States record that the offenders were under the influence of a substance. Hence, a comprehensive substance abuse rehabilitation will provide the offender a chance at responsibility. Treatments for substance abuse are extensive and the correctional department should ensure the participation of all youngsters who have an addiction problem.
Effectiveness check
Substance abuse rehabilitation treatments are highly successful especially among youngsters who committed their first criminal offence. However, this treatment is prone to attrition. Hence, without any concrete limitations on release or parole, it will be difficult to record any sustained success from this treatment.
Pre-release trainings
These trainings provide young inmates with awareness and knowledge on how to blend in with the society without any serious shortcomings.
Effectiveness check
The treatment trainings are restorative only if the offender succeeds in completing the other programs successfully. Hence, the success rate for this treatment depends on the offender’s ability to amass his/her benefits from other treatments.
Parenting
Several young offenders, on release from prison realize that they are parents. Hence, it is essential to provide guidance based on handling specific scenarios. Parenting is a key component in keeping criminal activity at bay in a child’s life.
Effectiveness check
This treatment’s success hinges on the attitude of the individual. There are many young offenders who are unwilling to support their young families up on release. Hence, this treatment might not achieve the expected levels of success.
(Pierce, N.d)
Comparison of Juvenile delinquency prevention and treatment
Juvenile delinquency prevention and treatment have several common components. However, they differ on certain grounds also. Prevention programs are applicable for youngsters who are yet to have their brush with the law. Treatment programs are for youngsters serving sentences for criminal activity. The prevention programs involve several members of the community to give a collective responsibility to the upbringing of the youth. Treatment programs aim to invite a limited number of family and friends. Prevention programs aim at keeping young schoolchildren away from a life of crime. Treatment programs offer curriculums that will enable the incarcerated youngster to stay out of further problems with the law (Weigel, 2011).
Relationship between Juvenile delinquency prevention and treatment
Juvenile delinquency prevention and treatment are part of the same initiative to keep young children out of criminal activity. Both these programs require the cooperation of all authority figures involved along with the youngster and his/her family. The prevention and treatment programs intend to provide restorative action. The key relationship between prevention and treatment is that their definitions change based on the status of the child. If the child is yet to commit a crime, the program is prevention. If the child has committed a crime, the program becomes treatment.
The importance of Juvenile delinquency prevention and treatment to Juvenile Justice
Juvenile delinquency and recidivism are on the rise in the United States. The crimes by young children are no longer racially similar. There is a genuine need for preventing criminal activity among children since their behavior will remain the same as they mature into adults. At that stage, they will not look away from a life of crime and they will be beyond reasoning. However, if there are programs to intervene into a certain community or neighborhood by analyzing social requirements, it will neutralize all the negative vibes. This will help guide the next generation on contributing positively towards the society. Treatments are applicable for delinquents already in correctional facilities or in juvenile youth centers. Their aim is to ensure that all those children in the system have a chance to clean the slate and start over again.
References
Child Rights International Network Staff (1990). United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency. Retrieved from: https://www.crin.org/en/docs/resources/publications/hrbap/IHCRC/UnitedNationsGuidelinesforthePreventionofJuvenileDelinquency.pdf
Einstein Law Staff (2015). Juvenile Delinquency Prevention. Retrieved from: http://www.lawyershop.com/practice-areas/criminal-law/juvenile-law/prevention
Pierce, T. (N.d). Treatment Programs. Retrieved from: http://ojj.la.gov/index.php?page=sub&id=122
Shannon, K (2015). 7 core principles to change the course of youth justice. Retrieved from: http://reclaimingfutures.org/7-core-principles-change-course-youth-justice
Weigel, M (2011). Juvenile arrest and collateral educational damage in the transition to adulthood. Retrieved from: http://journalistsresource.org/studies/society/education/juvenile-arrest-collateral-educational-damage#sthash.dpxPQLFs.dpuf
