Juvenile Recidivism

The American juvenile justice system needs reform and they need it quick. A Stanford University studied revealed that 2.4 million juveniles are charged with offenses annually. A horrendous 55% of juveniles released from incarceration nationwide are rearrested within one year. [1] High recidivism rates are linked to increases in crime, victimization, homelessness, family destabilization, and public health risk. [2]. Another leading cause for high recidivism rates are due to states failing to rehabilitate youths before releasing them back into society.

Some states have already begun making changes to help reduce the recidivism rate. California’s recidivism rate for the juvenile prison system has been declining since recent changes have been made. This has also saved the state millions of dollars. Our government spends roughly $6 billion annually on juvenile prison system nationwide; this is partly because they are making slow changes and wasting tax payer’s dollars. At one time in California, 74% of juvenile delinquents were rearrested within one year of being release. In 2007, the recidivism rate dropped over 30% because the state made significant changes. California is looking for a positive modification for its juvenile justice system that will benefit the state and the juvenile.

In addition, many states are modifying their policies to keep more youth in the juvenile jurisdiction and helping to provide effective treatment in custodial settings. Also some states which have begun lowering the recidivism rate, shows that the government cares about the welfare of adolescents who are in the juvenile justice system. If our government does not begin to reform the juvenile system, many youth will live a life full of crime and incarceration. Our number one goal is to make everyone feel as safe as possible and to prevent youths from returning to the juvenile justice system.

1. www.scribd.com/doc/19695235/Juvenile-Recidivism

2. Travis J. 2001. From prison to home: The Dimensions and Consequences of Prisoner Reentry. Washington D.C.