High Risk Youth

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that theories on rehabilitation universally suggest that younger offenders are more likely to be "cured" than older, hardened criminals. At the same time, the writer points out that most young criminals mature out of crime, and are no longer a risk to society. Due to the limited nature of funds and resources for correctional systems, it is important to identify which offenders will be most likely to benefit from intensive correctional interventions. This paper attempts to define real-world solutions for identifying these youth. The paper is heavily researched and relies on citations from many sources, plus each section is headed with a relevant quote from literature to tie ideas together. Paper was graded 100% in a 400-level criminology class.

From the Paper:

"Criminal justice sanctions for young offenders are constantly under scrutiny by lawmakers, the public, and the press. Society demands justice, a concept generally defined as both retribution and rehabilitation in the case of juveniles. Historically, most young offenders either age out of crime, or find that a single experience with the juvenile justice system is enough to set them on the right path. For those juveniles who do not respond to their first experience with the criminal justice system, society must then weigh long-term incarceration or the application of specific interventions designed to prevent further criminality. The difficulty in identifying these individuals lies in the psychological immaturity of young offenders who are easily influenced by factors that may not follow them into adulthood. This paper offers suggestions for identifying juveniles who present the highest risk of reoffense."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cain, M. (1996). Recidivism of juvenile offenders in New South Wales. Haymarket, New South Wales: Department of Juvenile Justice.
• Dostoevsky, F (1985). Crime and punishment. Cutchogue, NY: Buccaneer Books.
• Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of Delinquency. New York, NY: Bantam.
• Howell, J. (1995). Guide for implementing the comprehensive strategy for serious,violent, and chronic juvenile offenders. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
• Huizinga, D., Loeber, R., and Thornberry, T. (1994). Urban delinquency and substance abuse: Initial findings. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

More papers on High Risk Youth:

• Essay # 49591 : "At-Risk Youth"
• Term Paper # 147055 : "Youth Violent Crimes Sentencing"
• Research Paper # 27570 : "Youth Suicide"

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