Juvenile detention facilities serve more than one purpose. Some people regard them as a punishment for people who do bad things. Other people view them as tools to reform young people whose behavior needs to change.
Whatever their purpose, it’s important to make sure the facilities are working as they should: protecting the rights of minors while providing rehabilitation. So, how well does juvenile detention work?
Juvenile Detention and Public Safety
The ultimate goal of juvenile detention should be to make our communities better. That means improved safety, health and harmony for everyone. If the juvenile justice system is failing in that regard, we need to look at ways to make it better.
There are alternatives to juvenile incarceration. Many of the alternatives could do the same job better.
Incarceration Is the Baseline Response
Locking someone up is an extreme action. That’s true for adults, but it’s particularly extreme when talking about underage youth. It should not be our first reflex to incarcerate someone if there are alternatives that accomplish the same goals with less disruption and less money spent.
Unfortunately, incarceration is easier to understand and explain than its alternatives. The downsides are generally ignored. The rampant abuse and horrific conditions in the facilities where people are held are often swept under the rug. People understand incarceration and they don’t care to look into it any further.
Role Models and Leadership
Many alternatives to incarceration involve giving young offenders a mentor or advocate to show them a better way. Youth advocate programs connect young offenders and their families with trained professionals. They establish goals and a tailored plan to help the young person make better choices going forward.
Connecting Offenders With the Consequences of Their Actions
Many of the offenses that land kids in juvenile detention are impulsive, thoughtless acts. Depending on your upbringing, it might be hard to understand the position many young people find themselves in. Many don’t see how their actions impact the people around them or the community at large.
Juvenile detention facilities don’t help kids see the error of their ways. Punishment might make them uncomfortable or angry. However, if they don’t connect it to what they’ve done, it’s unlikely to lead to better outcomes in the future.
Pre-Trial Detention
The moment your child is placed in custody, you need to work to protect their interests. If they are in custody, an experienced defense attorney for young offenders can help get them back with their families. Detention should be avoided, if at all possible. Your lawyer can advocate for your child to keep them safe.
Criminal Defense for Young Offenders
At LEE AND WOOD, GP, our skilled criminal defense attorneys understand the juvenile justice system. We can help you protect your child’s rights. If your child is facing criminal accusations, contact us today to get started on a strong defense.