Question

Discuss 3 facts about the patterns of juvenile correctional institutionalization. Are these patterns what you’d expect, and how can we “improve” them?

Answer 1

Answer- Part-1: three facts about patterns of juvenile correctional institutionalization: despite the low rate of youth crime as compared to adult crime, youth are detained and kept in correctional institutions and these institutions are meant for the improvement of juveniles behavior. But things go other way around, being juvenile, too much security or strictness is maintained during their institutionalization as it is for adults. Recent literature over youth corrections shows that detention has profoundly a negative impact on youths’ mental and physical health or well being, their education is also affected and hence they face challenges for the employment. Psychologist found that one-third of detained youth is diagnosed with depression or onset of depression. Another research shows that 40 percent of incarcerated youth have learning problems and face difficulty to adjust in schools. There are some factors about the pattern of juvenile correctional institutionalization given as:

1)      Detained youth frequently wait for their court dates, for community- based benefitting programs.

2)      Youth correction houses are generally overcrowded with unsatisfied facilities that lead to the feelings of neglect and violence among youths.

3)      Youth are not allowed to meet their parents or community members that negatively impact their mental health. In other words they are separated from their family.

4)      Environment in institutions and experience in them makes youths to continue in delinquent behaviours and detention increases the challenges and odds in society.

Part-2: As discussed above present scenario of correctional institutions, youths are not getting what they are meant to be there. The improvement is needed for the desired effect on detained youths. Following measures can be taken for the improvement of youths in correctional institutions;

1)      Policies need a brief look from administration side like not delaying court dates.

2)      Permission to meet family members frequently.

3)      Institutions should not be crowded; a limit can be set for the strength in each institution.

4)      Providing education and counseling facilities properly. A check and quality of these facilities need to be taken care.

5)      Juvenile interventions should be focused on reducing recidivism and crime.   

6)      Making community and environment safe and healthy for detained youths.

Though these measures are being taken in some institutions but their implementation is not up to the mark. So need to look into the matter seriously.