What Is the Meaning of Juvenile Justice?

Juvenile justice seeks to rehabilitate youthful offenders.

Juvenile justice is concerned primarily with the well-being of children, including child health, abuse and youth crime. Juvenile justice focuses on criminal accountability and rehabilitation along with community safety through education, prevention and intervention services in schools, juvenile justice settings, and other social service and community organizations.

Health

Juvenile health issues impact juvenile justice. Relevant health factors include disabilities, physical health, mental health and substance abuse, including nicotine, alcohol and drugs. Health issues can decrease self-esteem, possibly increasing the likelihood of juvenile crime. Placement in a juvenile facility may cause further physical or mental health issues.

Crime

Interaction with the juvenile justice system and intervention at a young age can prevent further adult criminal behavior. Evidence-based programs that focus on crime prevention address juvenile issues including education, mental health and substance abuse. While this should ideally occur in the community, detention-based services can also offer these programs effectively.

Statistics

According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, in 2008, 16 percent of all arrests for violent crimes were juveniles. According to information obtained from the government website, Childstats, 19 percent of children lived in poverty sometime during 2008. Meeting a child's basic needs for food and housing will assist in minimizing financial stress on the family which can, in turn, reduce crime.

References

• Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention: Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention: Juvenile Arrests 2008
• ChildStats: Economic Circumstances
• Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention: Model Programs Guide