The Importance Of Boot Camps

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When juveniles commit crimes, it is critical that society finds a successful way to divert their criminal actions into good behavior. The main purpose of this essay is to find the different outlets the juvenile justice system is using to rehabilitate juveniles, how well those strategies are working, and personal suggestions for improvement that might result in a more effective juvenile justice system. There were policies put into place by the government that try to help and mediate juveniles and help curb their urge to commit crimes, one being the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (1). This act was put into place to try and help juveniles in a different way, rather than send them to institutions. There are a couple of different …show more content…

This outlet for rehabilitation has been found to be popular by the public, but not as popular as mediation, and it’s results on whether or not juveniles are improving from it is unclear, “whether the desired affects are actually achieved, and whether boot camps actually affect recidivism any more than traditional incarceration, remains questionable” (1). Research shows that boot camps apply structure and education to juveniles who lack these skills, while also being tough on them for the crime that they’ve committed (1).” This option isn’t as widely accepted because of those who think this treatment is too cruel (2). Boot camps for juveniles started in the 1800s, and were once banned for a period of time (1). Not too long ago, boot camps were reintroduced with less harsh circumstance, most of which have included a daily routine the juveniles have to follow and also have included basic education within their treatment process (2). The camps have mixed reviews due to their inconclusive research results. In some instances, such as in the city of Cleveland, 72% of youth that were studies were found to commit new offenses. However, in studies done in Denver, the re-offense rate was only 39% (1). Despite the opposing statistics, the youth in Cleveland were found to be 68% more likely to improve a grade level in language and reading skills and two-thirds were found to go back to school or work on getting a GED (1). These statistic …show more content…

I believe that there can always be improvement to these rehabilitation programs, but its seems, for the most part, that these programs are doing their job to overall improvement of juvenile behavior. It is so important for youth to be guided and taught proper mannerisms when facing the adult world. Our country should embrace the youth and should be willing to dedicate the time and money that is needed to ensure that the youth are receiving proper education and behavior

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