Juvenile Justice System: A Case Study

Introduction
This paper will explore the impact of child abuse and maltreatment on delinquency and arrest rates. First, I will discuss brain development and levels of empathy adolescents appear to display. I will then factor in other possibilities that may have an effect on delinquency and arrest rates. Other possibilities will include: systematic factors [such as institutional racism] and brief discussion on the school-to-prison pipeline. After reviewing the population, I will share research that highlights child abuse and maltreatment in relation to juvenile justice. Finally there will be a discussion on treatment options; treatments included will cover mandated and volunteer admission. Recidivism rates amongst youth will be shared along with the significance of restorative justice. The interest in this topic sparked from my interest in the criminal justice system along with motivation and ideas proposed at my field placement, The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA).
Research Question As mentioned previously, this paper will question whether or not there is an impact

Mandated clients are typically less engaged, less motivated, and may have difficulty developing trust (Sung, Steven, Feng & Tabachnick, 2004). Most models of mental health treatment are not designed for non-voluntary clients, leading to lack of participation and overall less effective treatment with mandated clients. Suggested methods for better engaging a mandated client include motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and strengths-based interviewing (Clark, 1996; Corcoran, 2011). These methods focus on meeting the client where they are at, focusing on goals the client sets for themselves, and building the client’s motivation to succeed (Jong & Berg, 2001).
Recidivism rates, although difficult to consistently define and measure, are very high