Treatment and Punishment Options for Juvenile Delinquents
The United States’ embraces different approaches when it comes to juvenile criminal justice systems. However, the mode of punishment or treatment for a teenager depends on the severity and sensitivity of offense, such as the frequency of the delinquent commits offenses. Likewise, the application of juvenile laws depends on the age of the offender because the criminal justice system advocates punishment meant to rehabilitate their behaviors and not segregate them from society. In the US, every state has its independent criminal justice system that defines its application in different circumstances. Nonetheless, the most effective rehabilitation strategy is using community-based correction mechanisms. Regardless of severity or sensitivity of offense, the most effective correctional mechanism is community-based corrections, unlike the adolescents’ incarceration.
I find a community-based correctional method more effective because it is tailored to positively influence the juvenile’s behaviors. For example, the offender is subjected to community works, such as cleaning schools, or public hospitals. It provides them with a chance to work in a friendly environment, which positively builds their relationship with the community (Sawyer, 2019). While working for the community, the offender reflects on the wrong deeds he committed, unlike other fellows who are not engaged in such activities. Therefore, they will feel that they are giving back to the community, developing a positive relationship with other youths. Likewise, when subjected to community-based correction mechanisms, such as restitution punishment, they are coerced to compensate, or return whatever they had snatched from their fellow. Also, they can write for an apology to their victims, which creates a good relationship between them. Besides, juvenile delinquent can be subjected to diversion programs as one of the community-based correctional mechanism (Atkin-Plunk, 2020). Diversion program requires that offenders undergo counseling to stabilize their emotional and psychological well-being.
Furthermore, some offenders are often assigned to a court-appointed official who looks after them. The strategy helps in the effective correctional activities of a juvenile offender. However, incarcerating juvenile offenders is not effective in dealing with a juvenile delinquent. It is the worst punishment of all and separate teenagers from the community. It contributes to the poor development of teenagers since they are caged; hence, they grew up in a mutinous environment. Often, the court might order for incarceration, which involves placing offenders under house arrest, denying them a chance to go to school (Cunneen et al., 2016). Likewise, they can be placed in a separate place, unlike family members; hence, lacking the family and parental care and guidance. Regrettably, juvenile offenders are sometimes placed under detention, which is more of adult jails. Moreover, this does not help in behavioral rehabilitation, unlike the aim of juvenile punishment. Instead, it contributes to the development of negativity towards society.
Regardless of severity or sensitivity of offense, the most effective correctional mechanism is through community-based corrections, unlike the incarceration of the adolescents. Generally, juvenile delinquents should be subjected to punishments or treatment that will help in correcting their behaviors. Most crimes committed by juveniles are often out of peer pressure; therefore, there is no need to impose stringent punishment on them. However, parents and other stakeholders should work together to ensure that juvenile delinquent is effectively handled based on the criminal justice system, which advocates for behavioral rehabilitation. Therefore, punishments, such as community-based correctional mechanism will best help in behavioral change, unlike incarceration.
References
Atkin-Plunk, C. A. (2020). Should all violent offenders be treated equally? Perceptions of punishment and rehabilitation for violent offenders with varying attributes. Victims & Offenders, 15(2), 218-242. https://doi.org/10.1080/15564886.2019.1711277
Cunneen, C., Goldson, B., & Russell, S. (2016). Juvenile justice, young people, and human rights in Australia. Current Issues in Criminal Justice, 28(2), 173-189. https://doi.org/10.1080/10345329.2016.12036067
Sawyer, W. (2019). Youth confinement: The whole pie 2019. Prison Policy Initiative: Press Release. https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/youth2019.html