Assignment task:
The function of the juvenile justice system, ideally, is to divert youthful offenders from destructive punishment and encourage rehabilitation based on their needs. To accomplish this there is a need to employ alternative measures to improve public safety and create better outcomes for the young people that come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
We can look at the juvenile justice system as a machine with gears. The need for multiple gears is needed if the system is to work well and generate quality outcomes. We have seen a change from a system that relied too heavily on one gear to a new system that is potentially community-based and creative in its efforts to reintegrate our young people into society. When riding a 12-speed bicycle, there is a need to use multiple gears to traverse the terrain to reach the goal.
Using the juvenile justice gear metaphor, discuss fully the potential responses for each of the following juveniles.
Include any prevention or diversion programs, and dispositional alternatives, including potential probation and aftercare.
Include your reasoning for each juvenile's disposition.
Fact pattern: Three teenagers, Todd, age 15, Keshawn, age 16, and Angelica, age 17, were skateboarding at a popular indoor facility. Todd and Keshawn were both living with the same foster parents, while Angelica lived with her older sister. All three teenagers were on probation for low-level misdemeanor crimes. While walking home together, they saw a local electronic store being ransacked by looters. Each of the teenagers had worked for the owner of the electronic store on and off during their summer breaks. A looter ran by them and threw a box of expensive headphones at Todd. Todd opened the box and gave Keshawn and Angelica a set of headphones. Todd shouted, "here's a gift from me" and they all ran home. There were cameras and the owner recognized each of them. They were all arrested for looting and theft.