What is the primary purpose of the Juvenile Justice System?

The primary purpose of the Juvenile Justice System is rehabilitation. This focus is rooted in the understanding that young offenders are still in critical stages of development and have a greater potential for change than adults. The system is designed to address the underlying issues that contribute to juvenile delinquency, fostering personal growth and helping youths reintegrate into society as productive members.

Rehabilitation emphasizes providing support, education, and therapy rather than solely punishing behavior. It aims to correct the behavior of the juvenile while supporting their emotional and social development. This approach seeks to prevent future offenses and reduce recidivism by addressing the root causes of delinquent behavior, such as familial issues, mental health, and substance abuse.

In contrast, choices like deterrence, punishment, and detention focus more on immediate consequences rather than long-term development. Deterrence aims to discourage criminal behavior through the threat of consequences, which is more effective in an adult context. Punishment is often viewed as a means to impose consequences but does not prioritize the holistic development of the juvenile. Detention is another method used within the system, but it serves more as a temporary measure rather than the overarching goal of the juvenile process, which ultimately seeks to rehabilitate rather than merely confine.