blog




  • Essay / Evolution, history and controversies of juvenile institutions

    Table of contentsJuvenile offenders in prisonJuvenile institutionsHistory of juvenile prisonsThe evolution of juvenile institutionsControversies within juvenile prisonsMy opinionConclusionBibliography:Juvenile offenders in prison"According to the Bureau of Justice The number of delinquency cases involving detention increased by 29 percent between 1985 and 2009, from 246,300 to 318,000. » The dynamic role that the juvenile justice system has structured was beneficial not only for the individual, but also for the community. The next, more detailed section will cover: the history and evolution of prisons, controversies over facilities, and the benefits that confinement brings to the inmate and society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Juvenile InstitutionsJuvenile prisons provide imprisonment for young offenders. These installations structure and promote character. The implementation of exceptional programs such as continuing education, rehabilitation, substance abuse programs as well as counseling have all helped inmates advance the resources needed for their release. History of juvenile prisons Established in England, Bridewell was the first correctional facility to house adult and juvenile inmates. . This facility became commonly known as the workshop, which taught the habits of industry as well as learning a trade. Examples of trades were baking, weaving, cloth making, and grain milling. . With orders from Parliament to expand across the country, a large portion of prisoners poured through the doors of these workhouses. As a result, the purpose and vision of the facilities began to degenerate. It was not until the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, John Howard, supported this view in his book, The State of Prisons in England and Wales, describing that "correctional institutions should be a tool used to reform and not to punish an individual. He wanted to create “clean and well-managed institutions, prisons in which the sexes would be separated, and prisons in which the inmates would be engaged in productive work.” Colonist then took Howard's views and established them in America, forming a platform we know today. The Evolution of Juvenile Establishments The structure of juvenile prisons has changed over time. Laws and actions have been implemented to change the juvenile system. For example, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 was established for the purpose of preventing and controlling juvenile delinquency by assisting state and local governments. The two main implementations of this law were “deinstitutionalization of statutory offenders” as well as “sight and sound separation.” The JJDPA then implemented a third implementation. In response to concerns and testimony from juveniles, they concluded that juveniles should not be detained in adult facilities due to the increased risk of suicide, physical, mental and sexual abuse, care and inadequate programs, exposure to mental disorders. patients, serious offenders and negative labeling. Although the JJDPA is an important law implemented by the juvenile justice system, other factors have caused controversy within the facilities. Controversies within juvenile prisons Juveniles tried as adults havealways been a topic of current discussion. Criticisms have been made about this. Many will say that a minor does not think like an adult and therefore cannot be judged as one. Others assert that “serious and/or violent juvenile offenders are beyond the scope of what the juvenile justice system can successfully handle.” Regardless of the controversy, Congress established these laws and the age to be tried as an adult varies by state. Potential Future of Juvenile Prisons Generally, when it comes to the operational system of prisons for juvenile offenders. Detention centers are intended for male detainees. Female prisoners face different difficulties than men. These challenges must be considered from a state and federal perspective. For example, “female offenders are generally non-violent offenders, but they are high needs, meaning they pose little risk to the public but enter the system with significant and pressing personal needs.” . Trying to promote a better environment and having easily accessible help and programs to access these girls would promote a better future for all young offenders. My Interview with Nichole Chachere I had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Nichole Chachere, a correctional officer for six years who had worked for the Clemens Unit in Brazoria and the Barrington Unit in Rosharon. When talking with Ms. Chachère, the question she was asked was “what surprised you the most about your work with minors?” ” To which she replied: “My biggest surprise must have been to realize that these detainees would like to be recognized and heard, they are children after all.” She describes her work in corrections as “life-changing” and having a different perspective on society. When asked “what was his most difficult adjustment to working with minors?” she replied, “In the community, you are willing to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. In these establishments, you must understand that these inmates study you all day long, they are looking to get a reaction from you. It is evident that the workload of a correctional officer can be very overwhelming and life-changing. Due to numerous interferences in his personal life, Chachere changed his professional direction and now works in a medical institution. My OpinionParticipation in education and counseling should be considered a mandatory asset for any offender. Due to the lack of structure, these offenders have difficulty applying the skills learned during their time in juvenile prison. Implementation of supports and knowledge upon release is a major factor that most prisoners struggle with. Advice and support from friends and family members can also play a vital role. Thanks to programs in institutions that promote further education, rehabilitation and counseling, many of these inmates have something to look forward to after their release. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion Overall, juvenile prisons have improved over time. Rehabilitation and structure are essential assets when considering the release of an inmate. Helping to structure these individuals with an acceptable mentality and mindset to be brought back into the community is the ultimate priority. Juvenile facilities can help create a well-rounded individual ready to interact with society again. Bibliography: Albanese, JS (2014)./0