Crime Causation And Diversion Paper In Today's Society

Crime Causation And Diversion Paperin Todays Society There Are More

In today's society, there is a rising concern about juvenile involvement in criminal activities. Factors such as low self-esteem, poor decision-making skills, ineffective communication, association with negative peer groups, and dysfunctional family environments are commonly linked to juvenile delinquency (Extension Journal, Inc., 1993). To combat this issue, a variety of juvenile diversion, intervention, and prevention programs have been established, aiming to facilitate rehabilitation and reduce recidivism among youth offenders. These programs are designed to address the root causes of juvenile crime, promote positive development, and ultimately decrease the rates of re-offending.

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This essay explores two juvenile diversion programs within the state of Ohio—namely, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and the Ohio Cooperative Extension/Extension Service Juvenile Diversion (OCE/ESJD)—to analyze their operations, goals, core beliefs, key participants, services provided, and overall effectiveness in reducing juvenile crime. Through this comparative analysis, insights are provided into which program may offer more substantial benefits in terms of rehabilitation and crime reduction.

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), established by Congress in 1974, serves as a national leader in juvenile justice reform. Its primary objective is to support local and state efforts to prevent delinquency and enhance juvenile justice systems (U.S. Department of Justice, n.d.). The OJJDP implements numerous programs tailored specifically toward aiding juvenile offenders, ranging from accountability initiatives to substance abuse treatment models like Reclaiming Futures. These programs collectively seek to reduce repeat offenses, improve accountability, and foster positive behavioral change among youth offenders.

The core belief underpinning the OJJDP is that effective juvenile justice programs can isolate and modify factors contributing to delinquent behavior. The program's principles emphasize accountability, rehabilitation, community safety, and behavioral change. Its key participants include law enforcement officers, judges, court staff, juvenile offenders, their families, and program staff. The juvenile and their family are central to the success of any intervention, as their active engagement determines the efficacy of rehabilitation initiatives.

The services provided by the OJJDP are extensive, with over 20 specialized programs suited to different needs of juvenile offenders, from behavioral management to educational and vocational training. These services extend beyond the juvenile to include family counseling and victim support, fostering a holistic approach to juvenile justice. For example, the Juvenile Accountability Program emphasizes restoring responsibility among offenders, while the Reclaiming Futures program supports youths struggling with substance abuse, illustrating the system's focus on tailored rehabilitative pathways.

In contrast, the Ohio Cooperative Extension/Extension Service Juvenile Diversion (OCE/ESJD), initiated in 1986 in Paulding County, adopts a community-based approach emphasizing family engagement and community integration. Its primary goal is to foster positive youth development through educational and skill-building programs, thereby preventing juvenile offense and promoting law-abiding behavior (Extension Journal, Inc., 1993). The program is unique in its focus on building personal values, self-esteem, communication skills, stress management, and goal setting, primarily through participation in groups like 4-H clubs.

OCE/ESJD involves various key participants, including juvenile judges, school counselors, probation officers, parents, and the juveniles themselves. The program aims to empower juveniles and their families, creating a collaborative environment conducive to behavioral change. The services offered include parenting workshops, life skills training, leadership development, and familial support—aimed at addressing juvenile misconduct's social and emotional dimensions. The emphasis is on developing resilient, responsible, and self-sufficient youths who can contribute positively to society.

Both programs are integral components of Ohio’s juvenile justice landscape, yet they differ in scope and focus. The OJJDP, with its broad array of specialized programs, has a larger scope but often requires systemic coordination and oversight. Conversely, the OCE/ESJD's community-centric approach provides personalized interventions tailored to local needs, possibly offering more immediate and tangible benefits at the community level.

Evaluating effectiveness, the OJJDP has contributed significantly to juvenile crime reduction, supported by national data indicating decreases in juvenile offending rates over the past decades. Its structured and comprehensive approach fosters accountability and behavioral change, which research supports as effective strategies (Piquero & Steinberg, 2010). The programs’ success hinges on multi-agency collaboration, community involvement, and juvenile participation.

The Ohio Cooperative Extension/Extension Service program reports that since its inception in 1986, it has positively impacted over 500 youths, reducing recidivism by approximately 50%. This community-based intervention not only diverted juveniles from entering or re-entering the justice system but also promoted skill development, family involvement, and community integration, which are critical components of sustainable rehabilitation (Extension Journal, Inc., 1993). The localized nature of this program makes it particularly effective in fostering trust and active participation from families and community members.

In conclusion, while both programs demonstrate significant benefits, the choice of more effective program depends on specific community needs and resource availability. The OJJDP's broad, systemic approach offers a wide array of services suitable for varied juvenile offenses and systemic reform, making it highly effective on a national scale. Conversely, the Ohio Cooperative Extension/Extension Service Juvenile Diversion excels in localized, community-focused intervention and family engagement, crucial for prevention and early intervention. Ultimately, an integrated approach combining systemic support with community-based programs might offer the most comprehensive solution to reducing juvenile crime and enhancing rehabilitation outcomes in Ohio and beyond.

References

• U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Juvenile Justice. Retrieved from https://www.ojjdp.gov
• Extension Journal, Inc. (1993). Juvenile Diversion Programs. Retrieved from https://extensionjournal.org
• Piquero, A. R., & Steinberg, L. (2010). Practical implications of developmental psychology for juvenile justice. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 8(2), 140–151.
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• Lipsey, M. W., & Wilson, D. B. (2001). The efficacy of juvenile diversion programs: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 17(4), 319–342.
• Simonsen, M., & McDowall, D. (2016). Juvenile crime prevention interventions: A review of evidence-based programs. Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 44(2), 91–112.