The idea of rehabilitation is to restore offenders to a constructive role in society. Many prisons in the United States, as well as juvenile detention centers attempt to contain the problem instead of offering any type of deterrence. To many citizens it does not matter if the individual is given a chance to become a functional member of society upon release. The only thing that matters are the punishment fits the crime. While, at the same time I do believe that punishment is a valid part of the criminal justice system, punishment by itself is not sufficient in many instances. The adult criminal system is evidence of the failure of when punishment is used by itself. Offender rehabilitation should begin with youthful offenders, so they may not become adult criminals. .
It is my belief the goals of the juvenile court system should be to rehabilitate and develop the youthful offender, so they are able to integrate into society and become productive citizens. The cost of keeping juvenile in prison compared to putting them in rehabilitation programs is much higher. I believe use of counseling, general education, substance abuse programs and early intervention programs are successful in helping reduce juvenile crime. These things are offered through a several juvenile correctional programs such as Teen Courts, Juvenile Boot Camps, and Juvenile Detention Facilities. .
I feel that Teen Court is deterrence from adult crime. Teen Court Systems vary depending on what state or county a youth resides. Teen Court is a diversionary program designed as early intervention to deter youthful offenders before a pattern of criminal behavior becomes established. Teen court is for students" ages thirteen through seventeen, and must be in school or be working. Teen Court is run by youths for youths. Volunteer youths usually from the high school that are in a business law class usually perform the roles of prosecuting and defense attorneys, clerks, bailiffs.
