JUVENILES

Juveniles

Abstract

Juvenile corrections, whether it is in the form of corrections programs or juvenile detention, seek a common goal; to positively alter the delinquent behavior of youths through a multitude of educational, vocational, personal, and social services. Juvenile corrections protect the public by removing the offender from the community, hold the juvenile accountable for his or her behavior, and then successfully restore the youths back to their families, schools, and neighborhoods. The juvenile court system as a whole aims to protect youths and treat them through supervision and rehabilitation while aiming to reduce recidivism rates. Court alternatives are offered throughout the court proceedings. A juvenile can be diverted from the system after the initial intake process and hearing and either is dismissed, referred to another agency such as teen courts or drug courts, or waived to adult court. Detention facilities offer secure and non-secure placement for youths in the process of adjudication. A consent decree can also be entered which supervises a child in his or her home under negotiated terms. After the dispositional hearing, the child can either be dismissed or sent to counseling, parental supervision, or other terms bound by a contract.

Juveniles

Introduction

Juvenile corrections, whether it is in the form of corrections programs or juvenile detention, seek a common goal; to positively alter the delinquent behavior of youths through a multitude of educational, vocational, personal, and social services. Juvenile corrections protect the public by removing the offender from the community, hold the juvenile accountable for his or her behavior, and then successfully restore the youths back to their families, schools, and neighborhoods. The juvenile court system as a whole aims to protect youths and treat them through supervision and rehabilitation while aiming to reduce recidivism rates. Court alternatives are offered throughout the court proceedings(Minor, 1999). A juvenile can be diverted from the system after the initial intake process and hearing and either is dismissed, referred to another agency such as teen courts or drug courts, or waived to adult court. Detention facilities offer secure and non-secure placement for youths in the process of adjudication. A consent decree can also be entered which supervises a child in his or her home under negotiated terms. After the dispositional hearing, the child can either be dismissed or sent to counseling, parental supervision, or other terms bound by a contract.

Main body

Corrections programs aim to treat and restore delinquent youths rather than punish them for their actions. Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania offers the Community Service Work Program which focuses on balanced and restorative justice. This focus addresses the needs of the victim, the offender, and the community by utilizing victim restoration, youth redemption, and community protection. Community service has proven to be an effective method of mending victim and community harm while building positive life skills in juveniles. The activities in the program are aimed to assist the juvenile in building empathy and recognition for the harm they caused to the victim and the ...