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One reason why change in the juvenile justice system is needed is because alternatives to incarcerating juvenile offenders need to be developed. There are numerous programs available and developments being made in order to help treat and prevent juvenile crime. Nonetheless, these programs and developments will not succeed unless officials start putting more focus and effort into these programs. In their article, the Jenson, Potter and Howard all strongly believe that a high priority should be placed on funding and developing delinquency programs within neighborhood and school settings (63). Those authors also point out that there are very "few efficacious treatments" and that "innovative and effective treatment approaches" need to be developed and considered (Jenson, Potter and Howard 63). There are youth with mental health problems, violent juveniles, and juveniles with substance abuse problems in which these programs could really benefit. It is also necessary that there are different programs developed due to the fact that not the same intervention or rehabilitation can work for everyone. Some programs work better with female offenders than they do with male offenders. Other programs work better depending on the type of offense and the severity of the offense. Kurt Kumli, a deputy district attorney believes, that the "more swings you take", the more you increase your chances that something good will come out of the situation (Frontline 9). Kumli insists the more chances taken with different opportunities, with prevention or rehabilitation, the higher the chance is that the youth will actually benefit (Frontline 9). The more programs available for the different situations, means that the chances for prevention or rehabilitation higher. For every one program that does not work for a youth, there should be two more available alternatives for that youth to turn to and to possibly benefit from.
