With 2,266,800 adults incarcerated in US prisons, we have to
evaluate juvenile delinquency to prevent more adults being processed in US
prisons. With 39.4% of the prison
population being black and 20.6% being Hispanic, there has to be an evaluation
of these particular communities and why there is a disproportionate amount of
minorities in America’s prisons.
Minorities are typically on the lower end of the socioeconomic
chain, and therefore the most emphasis for stopping juvenile delinquency must
be placed here. Because you’re less
likely to have an education, income, or even food, you’re more likely to turn
to criminality to attempt to make a living.
Studies have shown that increased income means you’re more likely to
have a higher education, more likely to have more activities, access to health
care, and access to food.
The Individual, Peer, and Parental factors are very
difficult to correct because they require invasive action. People prefer their privacy and their “belief”
of what they’re doing is justifiable. We
can work on the rejected status that students feel and work on changing their
environment to create emotional stability.
But it is difficult to intervene on parental factors and individual
factors on a level that can radically change their environment.
I have spent many year working with kids, most of whom are on the verge of entering the juvenile justice system if they are not already. Many of these kids are ready and willing to change, unfortunately many of these kids return to homes where their parents have not changed. The positive changes these kids make are soon gone because it is nearly impossible to keep up these changes when their parents behaviors are telling them itis easier not to change
ReplyDeleteI firmly believe that people can change if they are willing. For instance, with parental factors, there are always parenting classes that can be attended or counseling for parents and their children to help maintain stability and a healthy relationship that will lead the child on the right path.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to focus on positive reinforcement and guide the child so they willingly change.
Yes studies have shown that being on the lower end of the socioeconomic chain has played a roll in these activities but i believe its not a solid thing. Like Tawni said earlier people can change if they really want to and try. just because you were born in a poor house hold doesn't mean you have to follow the others living that life style. You can make your own path for them or paths for your children. There are many programs and things out there built to help people out of these areas
ReplyDelete