Prevention and Diversion

A juvenile who can avoid entering the criminal justice system all together is ideal. Prevention and diversion programs are necessary for some juveniles heading down the wrong path. Families and schools play a large role in helping mold a child into the type of person they become. Therefore, they have a responsibility to notice the warning signs and attempt to help a juvenile stay out of trouble with the law by using prevention and diversion programs if necessary.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) is a well known program that has been used by schools and police departments since the early 1980’s. This teaches children about the effects of drug use and how to resist. Some police departments and schools have also come together to promote Gang Resistance Education Training (GREAT) to teach students effective ways to stay away from gang activity. Other organizations and programs such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters can act as a diversion by simply providing a positive role model in a child’s life when they otherwise wouldn’t have one. Other mentoring programs can also be effective in this sense.

While attending Sacramento State, I was lucky enough to be involved with a mentoring program with one of the local high schools. The high school students that were involved often struggled with school and had some behavioral problems. I mentored a girl who mostly needed someone to listen and encourage her. In some cases, that’s all a juvenile needs to stay out of trouble and become successful. If something so simple can help keep a child from entering the criminal justice system, more programs like this should be available.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, I had the chance to intern at San Joaquin County Juvenile Probation. I spent time at their diversion program called Crossroads and was very impressed. This county funded program takes recommendations from schools and parents and offers counseling sessions for willing juveniles. They also open doors to other types of assistance such as drug treatment, gang tattoo removal, anger management, etc.

My experience at Crossroads and the mentoring program showed me that a lot of these kids just need someone to listen to them and point them in the right direction. Obviously it’s not the answer for all juveniles, but it’s a start. Prevention/diversion is the best option for a juvenile and for our criminal justice system.

http://www.sjgov.org/Probation/Crossroads/crossroads.htm

Click this link to learn more about San Joaquin County's Crossroad program for juveniles

Juvenile Probation

After diversion attempts have failed for a juvenile and they enter the criminal justice system, the juvenile has a hearing known as an adjudicatory hearing. During these hearings the judge decides which action would be most beneficial for the juvenile while still keeping public safety in mind. Intermediate sanctions are very popular for juveniles because many people feel juveniles have a better chance of being rehabilitated then adult offenders. The most popular intermediate sanction in our criminal justice system is probation.

As in adult probation, juveniles are released into the community as long as they stay out of trouble and follow their probation conditions. Juvenile probation officers work very closely with the juvenile’s parents and their schools. There are many different programs available to juveniles of probation as well. Some examples of these programs include drug and alcohol treatment, anger management, counseling, etc. Probation officers are responsible for determining which route would be best for the juvenile after reviewing the juvenile’s information and meeting with them. Probation is often paired with other intermediate sanctions (restitution, electronic monitoring, community service, etc.).

While interning with the Juvenile Probation Department in San Joaquin County, I learned how many programs there are available to juvenile offenders once they’re adjudicated. That particular department works with treatment facilities all over California, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Texas, etc. Sending the juvenile out of state makes it less likely that they will run away. At these facilities the juvenile attends school, receive appropriate treatment and some of them cater to the juveniles’ hobbies (sports, drama, horse back riding, etc). Incorporating a hobby in their rehabilitative process increases the likelihood that they will participate and be successful.

Rehabilitating a juvenile and helping them become a successful member of society is the main goal in juvenile probation. Finding the best way to make that happen is often a challenge for the probation officer, but when it happens it can be very rewarding.

http://www.ncjrs.gov/html/ojjdp/216251/new_images/pg49_01.gif