In This Unit, We Covered The Various Institutions Which Hold

In this unit, we covered the various institutions which hold juveniles such as detention centers, long-term secure facilities, and residential treatment centers

In this unit, we covered the various institutions which hold juveniles such as detention centers, long-term secure facilities, and residential treatment centers. Currently, the majority of juveniles are held in detention centers. Do you think we should continue this practice? Why, or why not? If your opinion is that we should move juveniles to another type of facility, identify which type of facility and why. Additionally, provide your thoughts on housing juveniles in adult prisons and jails. Are there offenses in which juveniles should be housed in an adult prison; if yes, identify those offenses. (MINIMUM of 200 WORDS)

Paper For Above instruction

The detention and housing of juveniles in correctional facilities is a critical issue in the justice system, reflecting broader debates about rehabilitation, public safety, and juvenile rights. Currently, most juveniles are held in detention centers, which generally aim to balance public safety concerns with efforts to rehabilitate young offenders. However, there is increasing advocacy against the continued use of detention centers for juveniles, given evidence that prolonged detention can be detrimental to their development and future prospects. Many experts argue that community-based alternatives, such as youth diversion programs, probation, or residential treatment centers, are more effective for juvenile rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. These alternatives focus on addressing underlying issues such as mental health, substance abuse, and family instability, rather than punitive detention, thereby promoting long-term positive outcomes for young offenders.

Moving away from detention centers towards community-based facilities aligns with juvenile justice principles emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment. Residential treatment centers that offer therapy, education, and skill-building can better serve juveniles by providing a nurturing environment that promotes personal growth and accountability. Evidence suggests that when juveniles are integrated into their communities with appropriate supervision and support, recidivism rates decline, fostering safer communities and more positive development for youth (Farrington & Welsh, 2007).

Housing juveniles in adult prisons and jails is a controversial practice that many experts argue should be abolished due to the significant risks involved. Juveniles housed in adult facilities face heightened dangers of physical and sexual assault, psychological trauma, and inadequate rehabilitation services (Schmidt & Teasley, 2004). Their physical and developmental differences from adults make them especially vulnerable to harm in such settings. However, some argue that in certain cases, such as serious violent offenses like murder or armed robbery, detention in adult prisons may be justified to ensure public safety. Still, many jurisdictions are moving toward policies that keep juveniles in age-appropriate facilities regardless of offense severity, emphasizing rehabilitation and developmentally suitable environments. Overall, the consensus favors diverting minors away from adult prisons to protect their well-being and promote more effective rehabilitation strategies (Mears et al., 2016).

In conclusion, the current practice of detention centers should be reconsidered in favor of community-based or residential treatment options that prioritize rehabilitation. Housing juveniles in adult prisons should be limited to exceptional cases, with an overarching goal of safeguarding their health and futures by keeping them within developmentally appropriate settings. This approach aligns with modern juvenile justice principles focusing on rehabilitation and the well-being of young offenders, leading to better societal outcomes in the long term.

References

• Farrington, D. P., & Welsh, B. C. (2007). Preventing Crime: What Works for Children, Offenders, Victims, and Places. Research Press.
• Mears, D. P., et al. (2016). Juvenile confinement and adult recidivism: An examination of the effects of incarceration on later offending. Criminology & Public Policy, 15(1), 87-118.
• Schmidt, J., & Teasley, M. (2004). Juveniles in adult prisons: Risks and alternatives. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 21(4), 299-317.
• Scott, E. S. (2010). Juvenile justice: Advances in adolescent development and implications for reform. Developmental Psychology, 46(6), 1541–1546.
• Mulvey, E. P., et al. (2010). Juvenile detention reform: Evidence and challenges. Juvenile Justice Bulletin. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
• Lord, B. (2014). Moving toward rehabilitative juvenile justice practices. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 12(3), 219-232.
• Grisso, T. (2008).Adolescent offenders in the juvenile and criminal justice systems: Research, practice, and policy. University of Chicago Press.
• Snyder, H. N., & Sickmund, M. (2006). Juvenile offenders and victims: 2006 national report. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
• Bynum, T. S., & Thompson, M. P. (2013). Juvenile justice reform: The role of community programs. Justice Policy Journal, 10(2).
• Stahl, C. (2014). Juveniles in adult prisons and the importance of age-appropriate correctional settings. Corrections Today, 76(4), 30-35.