NCJ Number
99856
Date Published
1985
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This critique of the juvenile justice system by the administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention argues for a justice model that will deter juveniles from committing crimes.
Abstract
Traditionally, the juvenile justice system has emphasized rehabilitation, but this has not reduced juvenile crime, particularly that committed by chronic serious juvenile offenders with intractable behavior patterns. The juvenile justice system should shift to a focus on deterrence, since crime is ultimately a choice based on calculations of risks and rewards. Holding juveniles responsible for the consequences of their crimes and administering punishment appropriate to the crime promise to have greater effects on subsequent behavior than traditional rehabilitation approaches. Other policies that can help stem the tide of juvenile crime include eliminating the distinction between juvenile and adult offenders, abandoning the practice of sealing juvenile records, and using victim restitution with juvenile property offenders. Promising State and local approaches for controlling juvenile crime include targeting chronic juvenile offenders and relying on the private sector and volunteers to assist young offenders.