Effective intervention can play a significant role in virtually every strategy employed to deal with the problem of juvenile delinquency. More often than not, intervention programs are shaped by existing or new juvenile justice policies founded on a theory or theories of juvenile delinquency. The main aim is to punish or facilitate behavioral change, hence reducing recidivism rates among serious delinquents (Marion & Oliver, 2012).
What should be done about serious juvenile offenders?
Serious and violent juvenile offenders comprise primarily ascribe to troubled or dangerous population often responsible for serious crimes like murder, rape, and assault (Marion & Oliver, 2012). Several studies have confirmed that serious juvenile offenders substantially different from the typical juvenile delinquents involved in a delinquent conduct, and thus, should be treated differently. For instance, many states have implemented tougher punishments for serious juvenile offenders, such as making sentences longer (Borduin, Dopp & Taylor, 2013). While this approach might be effective, an alternative approach entails transferring juveniles to adult criminal courts. Being tried in adult court guarantees juveniles more constitutional protections, besides helping send the message that the crime is serious, hence, deserve a more serious punishment. It goes without mentioning that juries in adult court might be more sympathetic to a minor.
How should we address issues with violent gangs?
Violent gangs refer to a group of juveniles brought together by the intent of committing serious criminal behavior (Marion & Oliver, 2012). Nonetheless, this problem can be addressed by implementing gang prevention and suppression programs at the community level. These programs have reported tremendous success throughout the history of the United States, especially when they’re augmented with state drug prevention dollars. This approach not only expedites reporting of juvenile gangs to law enforcement agencies but also facilitates coordination with treatment programs designed to help juveniles deal with the causes of their delinquency, such as drug abuse, besides partnering with social service agencies.
Should we allow juveniles to be transferred to the adult court, and if so, under what circumstances?
As stated above, one way to deal with serious juvenile offenders is to transfer them to appropriate adult courts as a way to demonstrate the seriousness of the crime committed. Moreover, this should happen if:
· The juvenile offender has been charged with a particularly serious offense
· The juvenile offender has a lengthy record of juvenile delinquency
· Past rehabilitation efforts for the juvenile have been unsuccessful
Should we allow the federal and state governments to execute juvenile offenders?
Although it was ruled in Stanford v. Kentucky (429 U.S. 361, 1989) that is not cruel or unusual punishment for a state to execute juvenile offenders, federal and state governments shouldn’t be allowed to execute juvenile offenders. Juvenile delinquents are immature decision makers, and thus, should be given a second chance to redeem themselves (Marion & Oliver, 2012).
Determine how the theory shaped the juvenile justice policy.
Classical juvenile delinquency theories have played a significant role in shaping juvenile justice policy. The basis of this theoretical approach is the assumption that people have free will to reason and make rational decisions, thus, shape juvenile justice by emphasizing the need to hold offenders responsible for their choices and their consequences. This is accomplished by emphasizing punishment over treatment or rehabilitation (Marion & Oliver, 2012).
References
Borduin, C. M., Dopp, A. R., & Taylor, E. K. (2013). Evidence‐based interventions for serious and violent juvenile offenders. What works in offender rehabilitation: An evidence-based approach to assessment and treatment, 192-210.
Marion, N. E., & Oliver, W. M. (2012). The public policy of crime and criminal justice. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
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