Is the price tag on Juvenile Justice too high? Is it work all of the taxpayer dollars spent each year? Billions of dollars are spent annually incarcerating our young people.States spend approximately $5.7 billion each year. The majority of those kids are being held for non-violent offenses, and could easily be managed in the community. States can reduce costs by moving away from juvenile facilities by investing in community-based alternatives. Evidence shows that there are many cost-effective programs intervening in the lives of delinquents which actually improve community safety and outcomes four our youth. Prevention and intervention for youth have shown a positive effect on public safety.
Studies also show a higher recidivism rate among juveniles who have been incarcerated. Nine out of ten will end up back in juvenile detention or prison. Of those, 46% would be re-admitted within the same year.
With a shift from detention centers to community-based programs, there will be a loss of jobs. It's difficult to see those go, however, the results for the youth in these programs speak for themselves. The Center for Community Alternatives has a six-month long program community-based diversion program costing $10,000 per year, per offender, as opposed to incarceration costing $200,000 per year. Also, 75% of those in the program complete it and only 15% are arrested again.
Studies also show a higher recidivism rate among juveniles who have been incarcerated. Nine out of ten will end up back in juvenile detention or prison. Of those, 46% would be re-admitted within the same year.
With a shift from detention centers to community-based programs, there will be a loss of jobs. It's difficult to see those go, however, the results for the youth in these programs speak for themselves. The Center for Community Alternatives has a six-month long program community-based diversion program costing $10,000 per year, per offender, as opposed to incarceration costing $200,000 per year. Also, 75% of those in the program complete it and only 15% are arrested again.
Too many kids are being place in detention for offenses that don't classify them as being dangerous. Statistics from the Correctional Association of New York found that 92% ofthe youth entering secure detention facilities are classified as Juvenile Delinquents-a person between the ages of 7 and 15 charged with an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult. Only 8% are classified as Juvenile Offenders-a person between the ages of 13 and 15 charged with a more serious crime and tried in adult criminal court. Too many kids not deemed to be a threat to the community are being incarcerated.
Joanne Page, President of the Fortune Society, states that incarcerating troubled youth with other troubled or dangerous youth will cause more harm than good. There have been studies of adult offenders that show 25% of non-violent offenders are later convicted of a violent crime, showing that time spent in prison most likely will increase violent behavior, rather than lessen it. Community-based diversion programs will allow States major financial saving that could be used to stimulate the economy. These programs also lessen the distance that a youth is displaced from their home, allowing a smoother transition back into society.
Joanne Page, President of the Fortune Society, states that incarcerating troubled youth with other troubled or dangerous youth will cause more harm than good. There have been studies of adult offenders that show 25% of non-violent offenders are later convicted of a violent crime, showing that time spent in prison most likely will increase violent behavior, rather than lessen it. Community-based diversion programs will allow States major financial saving that could be used to stimulate the economy. These programs also lessen the distance that a youth is displaced from their home, allowing a smoother transition back into society.
In conclusion, strong, positive role models from the community, instead of other troubled youth can low the recidivism rates, as well as the huge price tag on Juvenile Justice.
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L.M.Lee
Please Like and Share. Get a conversation started!
L.M.Lee