Juvenile Delinquency

The following is from my assignment for the first week of my Juvenile Offenders class:

“The harsh punishment of children is interesting yet troubling to read about. Especially regarding the “adultification” of children. In the Frontline episode “Inside the Teenage Brain” it was shown that the brains of youth are still actively developing. That development must be impacted by the environment around them, including such influences like their friend groups and how their parents work to raise or discipline them. Placing the weight of adulthood on a still developing child is an unacceptable response to issues created by the society in which the youth lives.

Fix the environment the child lives in before they act out in criminal ways and they would be less likely to participate in these behaviors. For example, if police were to investigate the homes of child offenders what would be the odds that one or both of the parents would also be involved in criminal activity? What percentage of these parents are abusive? Is the youths criminal behavior related? Are they acting out because of it?

I do think that in extreme cases, like murder, children should face more punitive responses, but I don’t think that extreme punitive measures like extended stays in prison or being tried as an adult for minor infractions are a good response. Measures should be taken to aid youths and minimize the potential risk of more serious crimes happening.”

This was written as a journal assignment. It was meant to be my initial reactions to the reading for the week. I’m sure my perspective will adapt and grow as the quarter goes on.