American system of juvenile corrections

The American system of juvenile corrections has numerous failures and few successes, and it is a system in crisis as the inner cities produce more and more street gangs, violence, and troubled youth. There are many reasons for the increase in these problems, and the programs developed to cope with them have not kept pace with the rate of change and have not served well to control juveniles or to address their problems. Yet, new programs are suggested all the time, showing that there is a realization of the need and an attempt to come to terms with it. The system is seen as overburdened and as facing new levels of violence in the streets so that the sorts of crimes with which the system must cope are more serious than in earlier periods. The system, which has been based on a rehabilitation model, has also been seen as ineffective, and new approaches have been suggested in legislation.

Bennett notes that one of the consequences of increasing teenage crime and drug use has been a new intolerance expressed in the juvenile justice system through programs emphasizing punishment. Rehabilitation had been a strong objective in juvenile justice even after it had become discredited for adult offenders, with the idea being that rehabilitation should be possible for young offenders before they become too hardened. Much of this intention has withered away to be replaced more and more by mandated prison sentences and an emphasis on punishment. By 1983, 48 states and the District of

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ngeles City Council in May of 1995. Los Angeles Board of Education President, Mark Slavkin, spoke in support of L.A.'s new truancy ordinance: There's a high correlation between truancy and daytime crime affecting shopkeepers and homeowners, like graffiti. To that extent, it's a very real law enforcement issue. So it's not a matter of turf. We need to send a strong and united message (Chu, "Council Approves" B3). The new ordinance puts truancy into the hands of police who are now empowered to cite any youth under the age of 18 who is found loitering between 8:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. on school days. The student must appear with a parent or guardian before a traffic court judge, who could impose a up to a $50 fine or sentence the youth to community service. When multiple truancy infraction appeared on a student's driving record their driver's license would be suspended (Chu, "Council Approves" B1). The measure was written by Los Angeles City Councilwoman Laura Chick. It was opposed only by Councilwoman Rita Walters, who stated, I'm very uncomfortable about this. I don't like the idea of making it criminal for young people to be on the streets (Chu, "Council Approves" B1). While the measure passed on a 12-1 vote, concern was

Category: Government - A