Program in the Criminal Justice System

Program in the Criminal Justice System

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to expand the boundaries of our knowledge by exploring some relevant information relating to the identification of criminal justice program. The Crime Prevention Program known as “LINK” works with young refuges to help them avoid their involvement in youth gangs and criminal activities. This program is focused to provide social support to the young refugees in order to prevent youth crime in U.S. The project offers a variety of services to improve their knowledge of U.S society, to support their success and develop their knowledge and skills in everyday life, by organizing recreational activities and providing psychosocial support through mentoring. The program is supported by the Action Fund Crime Prevention (FAPC) of the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), which provides social and psychological support to youth refugees and their families (Fisanick, 2010).

Analysis of the Problem

New York shows the highest percentages of activities related to youth gangs. According to a research, overall, gang-related activity increases in New York. Nearly half (48%) of part of these gangs are under 18 years. Young people are attracted to gangs because they feel that the lifestyle that goes with it to their needs. Young refugees, in particular, are more likely to join gangs because they can become isolated and desperate to be "fit" into U.S. society, without fully understanding the risks associated with membership gangs. It is noted that in fact, usually, young refugees who come to get involved in criminal activity do not necessarily see the dangers of gang life, until it's too late. The services provided by LINK can be very important that refugee youth gangs are likely to attend (Blyth, 2009).

The project is based on an integrated approach consisting of six main components to deter refugee youth aged 12 to 18, sponsored by the government, to attend and participate in gang activities. The program also extends to the families of these young people, in order to strengthen the support and supervision of young by the family, and improve the chances of integration into Canadian society.

Scientific Basis

The LINK program is based on scientific data from two support activities, including:

Mentoring

Youth Engagement

Mentoring

The program of Mentoring is focused to edify, motivate or introduce a change in youth behavior and their attitudes. If properly conducted, the mentoring program can be considered as a useful strategy to a young exposed to multiple risk factors for delinquency (i.e. lack of positive role models, lack of extracurricular activities, lack of involvement in community activities and the lack of interest in educational activities. The approach assumes that if young has involvement in conventional activities, he will be less likely to turn to crime because he will have more to lose if he must bear the consequences of his crime (Nakaya, 2005).

Youth Engagement

This program is focused to ensure youth engagement in social programs to help them change their lives and their families in a positive way. To do this, participants learn how ...