It is important to understand why and how these programs are ineffective because there are many young lives whose future depends on programs like these. It’s not just their lives that are affected: their parents, families, families of their victims, and the community they come from all affected by the outcomes of the programs that aim to reduce juvenile recidivism. If these programs continue to not have success, then they are doing nothing good for society and are in turn doing harm to the people they are aiming to help.

 

Juvenile offenders are often forgotten, and yet what is important to remember is that their lives are often determined while they are young. If a child is involved in crime when they are young, and they continue to cycle in and out of juvenile justice system, then they are more likely to be involved in crimes throughout adulthood. Programs that focus on reduction and prevention of juvenile recidivism are important, and they should understand that their importance is often what keeps juveniles out of trouble in adulthood. These people who establish programs should think of ways that can help effectively prevent recidivism. Some of my ideas can be found here.