1 - Background info: In most circumstances, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders is the goal of the criminal justice system as evidenced by the number of offenders ultimately being released back into society. This includes concerns for public safety, the behavior and performance of the offender as a functioning member of society, and the likelihood of recidivating. While some offenses, and therefore offenders, are deemed inappropriate for release (i.e. those sentenced to life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty), most offenders will have an ultimate release date included in their sentence. This poses challenges in how to address these offenders within the construct of their ultimately being released.
Question- Discuss your thoughts and findings as to the necessity for the rehabilitation of offenders with the ultimate goal being successful reintegration. Include sentencing strategies that may enhance, or detract from, this goal. Discuss if the goal is even appropriate and why or why not. Also discuss the impact of this ideology on sentencing, corrections staffing, and those professionals and para-professionals providing these services
2 - Background info: Research continues to substantiate the increase of positive outcomes when psychological issues are identified early (in childhood or adolescence) and interventions are instituted at that time rather than when an individual has reached adulthood. Chapter 13 in Bartol & Bartol (2015) discusses the concept of multisystemic therapy for antisocial juveniles. Recognizing that some mental disorders cannot be properly identified until early adulthood, there are many, including parents, who suggest this is inappropriate and an unreasonable intrusion into parents' rights and responsibilities in raising their children.
Question- Discuss therapeutic interventions for antisocial juveniles; the successes and the shortcomings. Include the short-term and long-term impacts of such therapies and the impacts of no intervention. Does society have a responsibility to these youth and to society to identify and intervene in these emotional/psychological areas?