NCJ Number
149930
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (1994) Pages: 76-91
Date Published
1994
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This analysis of several trends that have led to the current crisis in juvenile justice concludes that although the system's survival is uncertain, it needs to be maintained to sustain the concern for children and their welfare, the faith in their potential to grow into responsible human beings, and the persistent efforts of so many juvenile justice practitioners to help achieve these goals.
Abstract
The juvenile justice system is threatened by the increasing disenchantment with the welfare and educational approach toward juvenile offenders and the growing predilection for a punitive approach. Recent trends that have produced the current crisis include provisions for due process, the transfer of juveniles to the adult system, the use of incarceration, and reduced age limits. Although some argue that the juvenile justice system should be abolished, many justifications exist for continuing to separate juveniles and adults in justice proceedings. By far the most important is the principle of resocialization. Nevertheless, effective juvenile justice reform depends on several factors. These include the continuing use of due process, control of diversion procedures, open court hearings for minors, and specialized prosecutors and judges. Table and 23 references