Punishment Rehabilitation for Juvenile Offenders A Closer Look At South Central
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Introduction
One in 5 children grow up in poverty, 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 7 boys report some form of child abuse. (Cottle, 1998) The typical young offender is the product of abuse, physically, sexually, emotionally, verbally, spiritually, or a combination of the five. The offender has also witnessed abuse of family and friends and in some cases has witnessed the actual death of a family member or friend. The abuse and exposure to violence causes the child to be predisposed to mistrust, anxiety disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the inability to attach. Without the ability to properly attach the child is rarely capable of controlling his or her impulses and compliance with authorities is rarely achieved. (Cottle, 1998)
Links between neglect and delinquency have been investigated; with the investigation of the two variables researchers have found a correlation between the two. Researchers have also investigated how punishment for crime has affected the outcome of the child re-entering society. In many cases, a decision has to be made as to what type of punishment the child should receive and how severe the punishment should be. Should the child be tried as a juvenile or as an adult, should the child be placed in a juvenile detention facility, adult correctional facility or even foster care? In making decisions, authorities must take into consideration what type of treatment would be necessary for the child to rehabilitate and re-enter into society as a productive citizen...