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 Sister
s 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.
s 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.
Click this link to learn more about San Joaquin County's Crossroad program for juveniles
posted by Elise at
3:46 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home