Now What???

It wouldn’t surprise me if the percentage of crime committed by juvenile increases from here on out.  Many delinquency-prevention programs are being eliminated because of budget cuts. There’s hardly anything else we can do for juveniles because they don’t exist anymore.  If anything, running programs that has shown to be effective is better than overcrowding the prison system.  According to Greenwood, successful delinquency-prevention programs investment can save tax payers seven to ten dollars for every dollar invested; mainly reducing the spending cost of prison. You think, why not? These are evidence-based researches of delinquency-prevention programs that will save youths from wasting their lives and also prevent the onset of adult criminal career.

Juvenile Justice, broadcasted on January 1, 2010 on Horizon, is a short discussion on issues about the juvenile justice and three bills introduce in the legislature. The first bill addressed the issue of how the law is not clear in regards to charging 15 years old as an adult depending on the crime. The issue is, the alleged crime must be committed at the age of 15 and not any younger. Bill two talks about allowing the county attorney in discretionary cases to try them in adult court without anyone else to review it. A better way to approach this issue is to allow the court to review the circumstances and actually look into the offender’s history and family. The third bill discussed on the video is the three strikes and you’re out.  Any two adjudication in juvenile court and a third alleged felony will send you to adult court.  The three strikes law was created to target violent offenders or serious offenders. Because of what’s defined as a felony, people who commit non violent crimes like shoplifting or stealing a car can give them their third strike.

I found many of the topics discussed in the video about juveniles to be true and important.  Many, but not all, of the juveniles that get transferred into adult court should be there. Putting them into a prison environment where criminal activity are still happening even under correction officers’ supervision is only going to teach and influence them be chronic offenders. Adolescents and adults level of brain development aren’t the same according to brain science researches.  When adolescent commit a crime, they don’t think about the consequences or comprehend the different components that are involved. Both speakers agree on the idea that prevention programs are better for juvenile and that not all of them should be transfer to adult court.  Ideally, start targeting dysfunctional families from day one because the early you deal with the problem, the better the outcome. However, because of the economy and cuts in the state budget, many of these programs aren’t running anymore when they should be.

My internship has allowed me to see how effective community based program could be.  Many of what you come across with are dysfunctional families that are usually on some sort of government aid. This is a community-based program that I do find to be effective. Why? Because it provide direction, guidance, and motivation.  By addressing and intervening with their issues, it can make them become a part of the community and deter them from committing new crimes.  Some adolescents still need to be told what to do and where to go. Many of them don’t realize that they still have a chance to make something out themselves and that there are programs out there that can help them get back on track.  You help evaluate them individually and decide what they need to do by reminding them and referring them to the different programs that are still up and running. The sad thing is, there isn’t much you can do now because of the budget cuts.  Positions are being cut and programs are being eliminated; therefore, leaving you to work with less resources. The crime rate will start to rise leaving the criminal justice system no choice, but try to do more with less.

References:

Greenwood, P.W. (2008). Prevention and Intervention for Juvenile Offenders. Journal Issue: Juvenile Justice, 18-2, retrieved from http://www.princeton.edu/futureofchildren/publications/journals/article/index.xml?journalid=31&articleid=47&sectionid=163&submit

Majure, D.  & Sauceda, M. (Executive Producers). (January 1, 2010). Juvenile Justice [Television broadcast]. Arizona Board of Regents

Girl Violence

A little over a year ago, CBS news reported a story YouTube videos of girls fighting.  The video showed two teenage girls in a violent fist fight while two adults stood by and watched. The two adults who watched and didn’t attempt to stop the fight have been charged with felony counts of cruelty to a juvenile. Similar videos of girl against girl in violent fights were found on YouTube and Facebook. Many showed that the bystanders who encouraged the fights were both boys and girls. Just recently, three teenage girls in Pennsylvania have been charged with aggravated assault and other crimes because of a recorded video that was posted on Facebook.  The three girls got into a fight on March 2, 2011 and left the victim with a concussion. The two girls who were 13 and 15 years of age blamed the 14 years old victim. Fortunately, the recording of the video did help investigators determine who started the fight.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Digital Nation showed how the use of technology has become so common for our world and has influenced all ages. It’s very common today for a teen to have a cell phone so they can make phone calls to whoever they need to contact.  They have access the Internet at home so they can research for school projects.  Whatever reasons it is, we all know, personally by using it that the Internet has it positives and negatives. It does make our lives simpler; however there is no limit or control of the content.  Unless the parents block the bad websites, the children will have all access to them.

 These videos are showing that girls are taking their anger out with relational aggression where they harm others by damaging, threatening to damage, or manipulating someone’s relationship with their peers, as well as, hurting someone’s feelings of social acceptance. They’ll spread rumors or become angry and give the other the silent treatment. This type of aggression is seen more among girls whom are more distressed by these behaviors than boys.

Videos of girls punching, kicking, slurring, and pulling hair is not entertainment; however, they do exist.  A lot of these reality shows are written to have dramas among the girls to fuel the viewers and juice things up. Good examples of this are “Bad Girls Club” that is broadcast on Oxygen and MTV’s “Jersey’s Shore”. Both of these are full  of backstabbing, gossiping, retaliating, and so forth. Many of the content are nonsense with no moral or purpose.

The exposure of girl violence on the Internet and television shows has increased, and is something that is out of our control.  This presentation of violence can influence viewers to engage or participate in similar situations. It could encourage girls to use violence to solve their problems instead seeking nonviolent alternatives. The things they view and watch as children will determine how they act in the real world. I overheard my 3 years old niece say something with an attitude and I asked her who taught her to talk like that.  She said she learned it from watching “Hannah Montana” from the Disney channel.

References:

Dretzin, R. (Producer). (2010). Digital Nation. [Motion picture]. United States: Frontline.

Katz, N. (2010). Girl Fights Go Online: CBS News Reports on Disturbing 8-Million YouTube Hit Phenomenon. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-6165981-504083.html

Leff, S. S., Waasdorp, T., Paskewich, B., Gullan, R., Jawad, A. F., MacEvoy, J., & ... Power, T. J. (2010). The Preventing Relational Aggression in Schools Everyday Program: A Preliminary Evaluation of Acceptability and Impact. School Psychology Review, 39(4), 569-587. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

N.A. (2006). What is Relational Aggression?. Retrieved from http://www.opheliaproject.org/main/ra_about3.html

Is it Necessary?

Our county has an obsession for pills. Objectively, we take them to make us feel better so we can function well in life.  But are all pills necessary? Probably not, but we all have our reasons and problems to do so. How about children as young as four? Should they be taking mood altering medication based on behaviors that seem typical for their age?

A portion of juveniles that get tangled into the justice system suffer from some sort of mental disorder. About 70 percent of them are affected.  One out of five suffers severely from the illness to the point where they don’t have the ability to function as a normal young person and eventually, a responsible adult. They can experience one or multiple disorders. It could be emotional, anxiety, psychotic, behavioral, or substance abuse disorder.  Some will suffer from dual disorder; commonly, a mental disorder along with substance abuse (Hammond).

Medicating children with a mental disorder is a controversial issue. The Medicated Child video featured on PBS Frontline points out many of these reasons. Many of the children are being over diagnosed with these mental illnesses. Prescribing them medication for the disorder is simply an experiment.  It either works or it doesn’t. It’s a fairly new issue with very little research support. For example: will prescriptions that work for  adults work for children as well? Some experts say they don’t because the child’s body is still developing. Long-term effects are unknown and the side effects are numerous.  The video shows that children have died from overdose and taking a combination of them could be deadly. 

Watch the full episode. See more FRONTLINE.

Medicating Kids is also another PBS Frontline video that was broadcasted a few years before The Medicated Child.  This video shows four different situations that portray the possible outcomes.  First case, Nicholas, was diagnosed with either ADD or ADHD after his teacher recommended that he gets evaluated.  Nicholas was one of those kids who were hyper and impulsive. His parents refused to medicate him because they felt that his behavior is normal and typical of a child.  Second case, Noelle, takes Ritalin to help her concentrate in school and gymnastic. Her teacher and gymnastic coach see the difference and know when she hasn’t taken her medication.  Her grades went from Cs, Ds, and Fs to As, and Bs.  Her medication also helps her perform better at gymnastic. Third case is about Alex, who is overweight and sensitive.  He gets teased about his size and has suicidal thoughts. He’s diagnosed with ADHD and depression.  By taking the medication, he’s able to feel better about himself and enjoy his life. Case four, Robin, has tried almost every possible prescription. By sixth grade, he tried about six different kinds. None of them worked. He refused to take them because it makes him feel jittery.   He’s mad at his mom because she wants him to take it, but he feels happier when he’s doesn’t. These four different situations show that every child is different and what works for one may not work for another.  That sometimes, these behaviors are overlooked and may be just a phrase that they are going through.

When I first watched Medicating Kids for a Sociology course, I thought to myself afterwards, what would I do, as a parent, if my child was ever diagnosed with a mental disorder, like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Would I gamble with the medications and see if it makes a difference or accept the fact that he’s developing and will grow out of it? We were at my son’s nine months checkup. While waiting in the lobby, I skimmed through a brochure about ADHD and Altruism.  I remembered thinking to myself that many of these signs of behavior are normal in my opinion because kids are still learning.  I hesitate, already, giving my son, who’s sixteen months, generic Tylenol. I would despise the idea of him being on mental disorder medication where I don’t know what could possibly happen to him and his future. 

It almost sounds as if we’re taking the issue out of proportion by labeling it as illness or disorder to society.  Early signs during childhood are positive, even when it is contradicting sometimes.  Treatment in early stages can benefit the child and society.  The child can live a more satisfying and fulfilling life without troublesome behavior that could cause delinquency. In reality, a portion of these youth do function better in life being on medication than without. Once they get into the juvenile justice system and are diagnosed with a disorder, treatment for them is a multisystem that includes the individual, family, and substance abuse intervention.  It’s not that the system is being lenient with youth, but the fact that it’s more willing to give them a second chance by incorporating all aspects of their life so they don’t reoffend.

References:

Gaviria, M. (Producer and Director). (2008). The Medicated Child [Motion picture]. United States: WGBH Education Foundation

Hammond, S. (June 2007). Mental Health Needs of Juvenile Offenders. Retrieved from http://www.ncsl.org/print/cj/mentaljjneeds.pdf

Youth in Gangs

Gangs will continue to be an issue for the community. Anyone can form a gang and get involved. A youth gang, according to The National Youth Gang Center, is defined as a self-formed association of peers, anywhere from 3 or more members, that shares the same name and sense of identity. They have some degree of organization and highly engage in delinquent activity. Research, based off of large longitudinal studies, does show that numerous risk factors are likely to predict if a youth will join a gang.  These risk factors are grouped into 5 areas: individual, family, school, peers, and community. The higher the number of risk factors from each area, the higher the chance the youth is at risk of joining a gang.  

Those who affiliate with gangs are more likely to face problems in school, commit more crimes, and become victimized.  School engagement percentage, as far as attitude toward school, other student, and faculty, are lower compared to non-gang youth at the state and local level. A smaller percentage of gang youth feels safe at school. They are more likely to have school problems and difficulty getting along with the faculty and other students.

Surveys done at the national level shows that youth involved in gangs do demonstrate higher delinquent and violence acts. For example, 62% have reported to engage in serious fights one or more times compared to 18% of non-gang youth.   21% of gang youth have shot or stabbed someone versus 1% for non-gang.

You assume that gang members join gangs because of protection and safety.  It is the idea that someone has my back.  However, gang members are actually more likely to be victimized compared to non-gang youth at the national, state, and local level.  They are at a higher risk to be threatened or injured with a weapon.  Gang affiliation does make you more probable to be targeted by other gangs.

Clearly, these facts and statistics show that youth who join gangs are more likely to engage in criminal activities and have more problems in school.  Youth who affiliates with a gang only makes it worst on their behalf.  Sending them home and a phone call to the parent won’t fix the problem. Frustration can led them to not caring about school and dropping out. They will need the extra assistance so they can understand and learn.  With nothing but time on their hands, it could lead them to carrying out more delinquent acts. School, secondary to home, is a huge component of the youth’s life.  It is where they learn how to interact with other people and become knowledgeable in society.   

Reference:

Glesmann, C., Krisberg, B., Marchionna, S. (2009). Youth in Gangs. Who is at Risk?.  Focus Views from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency.  Retrieved from http://www.nccd-crc.org/nccd/pdf/Youth_gangs_final.pdf

A Silent Cry for Help

There is no agreeable answer as to why juveniles become delinquent.  According to Peter Greenwood and colleague, delinquent children are more likely to come from troubled families and neighborhoods. They’re also likely to engage in drug use and have issues in school. (League of Women). The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  stated on “The Crime Problem” report in 1954  that poor home conditions are a common cause among the delinquent juveniles. This includes coming from a broken home where both or the one of the parent is absent due to divorce, separation, or death. The home is inadequate because they’re living in poverty and the parents’ lack in parenting skills. (Congressional Digest).

 

The common strategy in finding out why juveniles engage in delinquent acts is investigating into their lives.  A child’s life consists of many factors that can have positive or negative effect on them.  First and most importantly, we should look  into the family and their home. It can start as early as being in the womb of the mother.  All the nutrients the baby gets for 9 months comes from what the mother takes during the pregnancy.  If the mother uses drugs or alcohol, the baby does too. Neglect, whether done consciously or not, is something that does happen more often than we expect.

 

Most delinquent juveniles do come from poor neighborhoods who are mostly minorities. They lack in the most resources compared to any other class.  Drug dealing is a common criminal activity in this  kind of neighborhood because it’s fast easy money that does not require an education. The street is also where they learn their delinquent behaviors. The exposure of being  around other delinquent neighborhood children can lure them into doing the same thing.  They’ll end up joining the gangs and carry out more delinquent acts as they become more involved.

Children are a learning machine always curious about the world.  Teach them correctly the first way, and it will only do them good. Provide them with the resources and attention they need, and they will have the tools to become successful.  It’s not impossible to reduce the recidivism rates among juveniles. Children will show some sort of sign. When they do, it’s a matter if anything is going to be done about it. For them, engaging in delinquent behavior is a silent cry for help because they can’t tell the difference between right or wrong.

Reference:

Congressional Digest. (1954). Conditions Conducive To Youth Crime. The Congressional Digest. 291-301.

League of Women Voters of California Education Fund. (1996). Perceptions on the Causes of Juvenile Delinquency. Retrieved from http://ca.lwv.org/jj/causes.htm