Two Trends In Official Responses To Juvenile Delinquents

Here are two trends in official responses to Juvenile Delinquents, common over the past 25 years: the first is waiving juvenile offenders into adult courts to face adult punishments in an attempt to hold juveniles accountable for their actions; the second is the diversion of offenders out of juvenile court procedures and into counseling programs, educational programs, treatment programs, and other programs. Argue how each of these trends, in principle, upholds and/or contrasts with the original intent of the juvenile justice system established in the late 1890’s.

In the late 19th century, the juvenile justice system was established to help youth offenders reform rather than punish them. The main goals of this justice system are to provide

I believe that factors in this program align with a combination of Social Learning/Differential Association theory, Social Disorganization theory, and Social Control theory. The program aligns with the principles of Social Control theory by emphasizing the importance of strengthening social commitments, involvements, beliefs, and attachments. It does this by pairing delinquent youth with volunteer mentors. The program aims to provide them with positive influences and supportive relationships that can help diminish the risk factors associated with delinquency. Mentors can be role models, providing guidance, encouragement, and emotional support, reinforcing the youths commitment to activities like school and work. Social Learning/Differential Association theory is also reflected in the program as it recognizes the influence of social environment and peer interactions on delinquent behavior in youth. Exposing the youth to these positive mentors who actively display their engagement in trying to create job opportunities and improve their neighborhoods provides alternative models of behavior and positive reinforcement. Also, involving the mentors in community-based initiatives and encouraging them to work within neighborhoods, the program widens youth’s social networks and exposes them to positive community influences, which reduces the youths exposure to delinquent peers and deviant groups. Social Disorganization theory suggests that crime and delinquency are more prevalent in neighborhoods characterized by weak social institutions, disorganized communities, and a lack of social control. These neighborhoods experience higher rates of poverty and have limited access to resources and support services. As the program matches delinquent youth with