These issues are (1) institutions versus community-based programs, (2) rehabilitation versus punishment, (3) rehabilitation as meaningful goal or albatross, (4) determinate versus indeterminate release, (5) victim versus offender, and (6) private versus public-sector administration of correctional programs. An examination of these polarities that goes beyond their rhetoric suggests that there is more compatibility between them than is usually envisioned. However, the environment that would allow these polarities to coexist and strengthen each other, is one of a delicate balance. These issues frequently strike at the core of the ethos of social work -- values concerning personhood, justice, and society. The debate and resolution of these issues has had and will continue to have a profound effect on both social work practice and the juvenile justice system. It is essential that simplistic rhetoric, false polarities, and unrealistic expectations do not become stumbling blocks to the implementation of meaningful, reform-oriented policy. 7 discussion questions and 32 references.