The Reduction Of Juvenile Incarceration

Can reducing juvenile incarceration decrease crime? When it comes to jailing juvenile offenders, the United States incarcerates a disproportional amount of youths compared to other industrialized nations. The juvenile crime rate is higher in the U.S., which tells us simply locking up our youth is not the answer.

There are many different types of detention facilities around the country who claim they are there to reform troubled kids. Statistics show that in most instances reform isn't exactly what is happening. Juveniles are exposed to deplorable conditions and humiliating treatment from staff and other inmates. After enduring this treatment they become conditioned.

Many other industrialized first world nations wouldn't dream of incarcerating their youth. There is still hope for a child. With the right guidance and discipline many, if not, most can be rehabilitated. Building character, trust, and getting to the root of the child's behavior with medical, psychological, and spiritual tutelage are more common practices abroad. In the United States we inhibit those possibilities by suggesting that the child is a criminal and needs to do "hard time." Some studies have revealed an increased propensity for violence among youths as a direct result of juvenile incarceration.

For more extensive information regarding the incarceration of youth, read the Annie E. Casey Foundation's report: The Case For Reducing Juvenile Incarceration: No Place For Kids.

If your child is facing legal action, you are not alone. Act quickly to preserve your child's future by contacting San Jose Juvenile Defense Attorney William Chestnut at (408)298-6990.