Essay On Juvenile Detention Center

761 Words2 Pages

Thousands of juveniles go through our court systems every year. Many are placed in detention centers for noncriminal offenses. Many are placed in these facilities for offenses such as underage drinking, truancy or running away from home. These acts are only forbidden due to the age of the youth. These children are usually acting out or having difficulties stemming from an array of underlying issues. There are many alternatives that can allow these youths to receive the attention and care they need, while still holding the child accountable, without placing them in a facility that may do more harm than good or set these children up to be career criminals. There are more therapeutic and less expensive avenues for these young offenders other than …show more content…

These could all be quite beneficial in the rehabilitation of these children as well as perhaps acting as a deterrent to other juveniles. There is still a cost to parents or taxpayers for these alternatives however it is much less of a financial burden than incarceration or housing these delinquents in a detention center. Community and home-based treatment have seemed to be a favorite of judges locally. Juveniles are still being held accountable for their actions as well as giving them time to reflect on their …show more content…

The juveniles report after school and remain there until 7:00 pm. The children do their homework, have recreation time, receive help with school work if need be and they are taught many life management skills that include subjects such as anger management, job readiness, and budgeting. They receive group and other therapy services as well. (Department of Juvenile Services-West Virginia Reporting Centers) Attendance is required in this program as well as school. The center monitors grades and school attendance and reports this information back to the assigned judge as well as the youths case or social

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