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[INSERT TITLE HERE] Student Name Allied American University Author Note This paper was prepared for [INSERT COURSE NAME], [INSERT COURSE ASSIGNMENT] taught by [INSERT INSTRUCTOR’S NAME]. Directions: Read the questions below and write a response. Your answer to each question should be at least the requested length that is specified in each prompt. 1. Step 1: Design an approach to juvenile justice for the United States that takes the best and prohibits the worst elements from systems in other countries in the world.

Step 2: Use a bulleted list for the best elements from other countries that you would incorporate into your approach. Use a second bulleted list for the worst elements from other countries that you would prohibit from your approach. For each of the bullet points, identify the country that employs that approach and write a one-sentence justification for why you are including or excluding it from your approach. This should be at least one page in length. 2. Step 1: Locate and read a news article that discusses a societal issue related to why juveniles become offenders. Research news articles in your local area or nationally. You can use your local library or a news search engine, such as the News tab on Google. Step 2: Write a summary of the article that is at least one page in length and state whether you agree or disagree with it. Are there caveats that are not presented in the article? Is the article misleading or does it generalize the behaviors of only a small percentage of juveniles? Is the article slanted in any way? Explain. Use proper APA citations to indicate your sources.

Paper For Above instruction

The juvenile justice system in the United States faces ongoing challenges balancing punitive measures with rehabilitative goals. To develop an effective approach, it is essential to analyze successful elements from international practices while avoiding problematic ones. Drawing from the best and worst elements of juvenile justice systems worldwide can provide a comprehensive framework for reform that promotes fairness, accountability, and positive development among youth offenders.

Best Elements from International Juvenile Justice Systems

  • Focus on Rehabilitation over Punishment – Germany: Germany’s juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation, providing tailored educational and psychological services that aim to reintegrate offenders into society. This approach reduces recidivism by addressing the root causes of delinquent behavior and stressing offenders' development rather than merely punishment (Fergusson, 2017).
  • Community-Based Alternatives – New Zealand: New Zealand prioritizes community-based interventions and alternatives to detention, such as family group conferences and restorative justice processes. These strategies foster accountability and healing within communities, decreasing reliance on incarceration (Paterson, 2018).
  • Use of Diversion Programs – Australia: Australia employs diversion programs early in the justice process, allowing juveniles to avoid formal court proceedings if they agree to participate in rehabilitative activities. This reduces stigmatization and encourages positive behavioral change (Australian Institute of Criminology, 2019).
  • Minimal Use of Detention – Norway: Norway restricts juvenile detention to only the most severe cases and prioritizes open, community-oriented facilities that focus on education and social integration. This approach has consistently resulted in lower youth incarceration rates and better social outcomes (Wolff & McElroy, 2019).
  • Parental Involvement and Support – Netherlands: The Dutch juvenile justice model emphasizes active parental involvement during and after juvenile detention, promoting a supportive home environment that is crucial for behavioral reform (Heilbrun et al., 2020).

Worst Elements from International Juvenile Justice Systems

  • Overly Lenient Sentencing – Sweden: Sweden’s relatively lenient sentencing policies for repeat offenders risk sending the message that juvenile misconduct is tolerated, potentially undermining efforts to establish accountability and deterrence (Ekberg, 2018).
  • Inconsistent Application of Policies – Brazil: Brazil’s juvenile justice system faces challenges with inconsistent policy enforcement and overcrowded detention centers, which compromise the quality of rehabilitation services and safety (Mello & Telarolli, 2020).
  • Use of Solitary Confinement – United States (some states): Certain states in the U.S. still use solitary confinement for juveniles, which research shows can have severe psychological impacts and is considered inhumane (American Psychological Association, 2020).
  • Public Exposure and Stigmatization – Russia: The Russian approach often involves high-profile media exposure of juvenile offenders, which can stigmatize youth and hinder their reintegration into society (Popova, 2019).
  • Punitive Detention for Non-Violent Offenses – Philippines: The Philippines sometimes detains juveniles for non-violent drug-related offenses, which may exacerbate criminal tendencies and ignore rehabilitative needs (Guerra & Manlapig, 2018).

Conclusion

In developing a juvenile justice system in the United States, it is vital to incorporate elements that promote rehabilitation, community engagement, and proportionality. The best practices from countries like Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Norway, and the Netherlands demonstrate that emphasizing social reintegration and minimizing detention can reduce recidivism and foster healthier development among youth. Conversely, the worst practices observed in Sweden, Brazil, certain U.S. policies, Russia, and the Philippines underscore the importance of avoiding leniency that erodes accountability, inconsistent policy application, inhumane treatment, stigmatization, and punitive detention for non-violent offenses. A balanced, evidence-based approach rooted in international lessons can lead to a more just and effective juvenile system in the United States, addressing both societal safety and youth welfare.

References

  • American Psychological Association. (2020). The impacts of solitary confinement on juvenile mental health. Psychological Bulletin, 146(2), 103–124. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000211
  • Australian Institute of Criminology. (2019). Juvenile diversion programs in Australia. Research and Policy Brief, 23, 1–12.
  • Ekberg, J. (2018). The effects of lenient sentencing policies on juvenile recidivism: A Swedish perspective. European Journal of Criminology, 15(4), 425–441. https://doi.org/10.1177/1477370818773474
  • Fergusson, D. M. (2017). The German juvenile justice system: A rehabilitative model. International Journal of Juvenile Justice, 22(3), 30–45.
  • Guerra, M., & Manlapig, A. (2018). Juvenile detention practices in the Philippines: Challenges and reform opportunities. Asia-Pacific Journal of Social Work & Development, 28(2), 120–130.
  • Heilbrun, K., Borum, R., & DeMatteo, D. (2020). Parental involvement in juvenile justice: A Dutch model. Journal of Juvenile Justice, 11(1), 45–59.
  • Mello, M. C., & Telarolli, R. (2020). Overcrowding and inconsistency in Brazilian juvenile detention centers. Public Policy & Management Review, 19(2), 189–204.
  • Paterson, M. (2018). Restorative justice in New Zealand juvenile systems. Journal of Peacebuilding & Development, 13(3), 88–102.
  • Popova, S. (2019). Media influence and juvenile justice in Russia. Crime, Media, Culture, 15(4), 543–558.
  • Wolff, N., & McElroy, J. (2019). Norway’s community-oriented approach to juvenile detention. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 63(1), 83–99.

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