The juvenile justice system was developed with the objective to rehabilitate young offenders without permanent consequences and harsh treatments. If rehabilitation was unsuccessful, then the minor would be moved to …show more content…
Some of the most common violations are status offenses. These are actions such as running away, violating the public curfew, incorrigibility, and truancy. These are important guidelines for minors to follow do ensure safety and order in the community. When they are violated, the perception is that other prohibited activities are taking place as well. Some common misdemeanors committed by minors are intoxication, shoplifting, trespassing, and driving without a license. These offenses are illegal for anyone to commit, there is no age restriction required to charge someone for these actions. However, these are seen to common amongst minors due to the environment in which the minor is raised. Felonies committed by minor typically include arson, rape, assault, carrying a concealed weapon, drug use, and larceny. These are behaviors of more serious juvenile delinquents. According to the Categorical Offenses of Juvenile Delinquents and the Relationship of Achievement study, “the study acknowledged economic, cultural, sociological, environmental, personal, and interactional factors as being associated with and contributing to the current status of the youthful offender”(Beebe, M. C., & Mueller, F. 1993). Meaning that the actions of a minor are not entirely in their control, or …show more content…
If these behaviors are corrected in early childhood the chances of these minors of offending later decreases tremendously. “Although they were designed mainly to prevent school failure, there is growing evidence that they can do much more. Preschool programs and parent educational services that improve school readiness help to set a pattern that prevents delinquency in later years”(Zigler, E. 1994). The most successful way of doing this creating a strong family bond, this establishes trust and accountability. If children feel accountable to their family then their chances of offending decrease. What is different about these programs is that they are preventative, not rehabilitation; meaning they can’t be proven to work because there is no way of knowing if a minor would have violated any law had these actions not taken