PLEASE PROVIDE A DETAILED RESPONSE FOR EACH CLASSMATE DISCUSSION POST 1-4

DISCUSSION POST 1: The juvenile justice system's diversion and net widening are closely linked. Diversion programs aim to deal with underlying problems and stop young people from getting into trouble outside of regular court processes. However, these efforts can accidentally make the problem worse, leading to more young people going through the formal legal system than necessary. This happens when the rules for who can join diversion programs get broader, including young people who would have been let off with a warning before. To stop this from happening and keep young people out of the court system when it's not needed, a few things can be done. Firstly, we can set up careful tests to make sure only low-risk young people who will benefit from diversion programs are chosen. Secondly, we can put more effort into programs that stop young people from getting into trouble in the first place. Working together with everyone involved in the justice system, community groups, and service providers is crucial in creating programs that fit the needs of young people and their families. We also need to regularly check how well diversion programs are working and change them based on what the data tells us. Lastly, we need to educate everyone involved about diversion programs and how to make them work well. By following these ideas, policymakers can reduce the risk of making things worse and keep the juvenile justice system focused on helping young people get back on track.

Citations

1.Merlo, A. V., & Benekos, P. (2018).The Juvenile Justice System: Delinquency, Processing, and the Law(9th ed.). Pearson Education (US).https://ccis.vitalsource.com/books/9780134813295

DISCUSSION POST 2: Diversion and net widening essentially are the same thing. Per our textbook, diversion is a "regarded as a form of deferred prosecution in which offenders, especially low-risk ones, are afforded an opportunity to prove that they are law-abiding persons" (Merlo pg. 303). Net widening offers different sanctions "which are meant to be imposed on prison-bound offenders are in practice used for low-risk offenders who would otherwise receive lighter sanctions". (Kantorowicz-Reznichenko, 2013). As I have stated in previous discussions, I strongly believe that there has to be more mentor programs and parental-like figures in the lives of the youth. I would also recommend law enforcement to engage with the community in a positive way, so that the youth can have a healthier relationship with law enforcement.

Merlo, A. V., & Benekos, P. (2018). The Juvenile Justice System: Delinquency, Processing, and the Law (9th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://ccis.vitalsource.com/books/9780134813295

Kantorowicz-Reznichenko, Elena, The 'Net-Widening' Problem and its Solutions: The Road to a Cheaper Sanctioning System (December 1, 2013). Available at SSRN:https://ssrn.com/abstract=2387493orhttp://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2387493

DISCUSSION POST 3: Restorative justice stands as a beacon of hope in the often turbulent journey of youth navigating the complexities of life. "Restorative justice practices work to address the dehumanization frequently experienced by people in the traditional criminal justice system. Instead of viewing a criminal act as simply a violation of a rule or statute, restorative justice sees this action as a violation of people and relationships." (Zehr, H., 2024). It offers a paradigm shift from punitive measures to a holistic approach centered on repairing harm, fostering accountability, and nurturing growth. To ensure its efficacy and accessibility, it must permeate various spheres of young people's lives, including their homes, schools, communities, and the juvenile justice system.

At home, the foundation of a child's development, restorative justice can flourish through education and open dialogue. Introducing juveniles to the principles of restorative justice is paramount, as understanding its purpose empowers them to engage meaningfully with the process. "Restorative practices focus on having positive relationships. When we make a mistake, they ask us to take responsibility for our behavior and make amends. At the heart of restorative practices is the belief that we are all in this together"(Jeffco Public Schools., 2024). Families must cultivate an environment of open communication, where discussions about restorative practices can unfold naturally. Moreover, providing resources and support equips families with the tools needed to navigate challenges and embrace restorative approaches effectively.

In the school environment, restorative justice can serve as a catalyst for positive change. Educators and staff play a pivotal role in fostering understanding and support for restorative principles. Conferences and training sessions can enlighten teachers on restorative justice concepts and equip them with strategies to support youth effectively. Furthermore, involving students' peers in restorative practices harnesses the power of positive peer influence, fostering a culture of empathy and accountability among peers. Collaboration with community partners can also enhance school efforts, with sponsorship from local businesses bolstering support for families and enriching the school's restorative initiatives.

Communities serve as the crucible where youth confront a myriad of challenges and opportunities. Here, restorative justice thrives through collective action and collaboration. Community members, including law enforcement, can work together to identify underlying issues affecting youth and develop comprehensive solutions. Facilitating exchanges between families fosters a sense of community and mutual support, allowing them to share experiences and strategies for overcoming obstacles. Moreover, providing guidance and support ensures equitable access to assistance and resources, empowering all involved parties to navigate challenges effectively.

Within the juvenile justice system, restorative justice holds the promise of transformation and rehabilitation. Emphasizing the importance of programs within the juvenile justice system highlights their role in addressing conflicts and facilitating the rehabilitation process. Offering opportunities for juveniles to participate in restorative processes encourages accountability and personal growth, laying the foundation for successful reintegration into society. Embracing restorative justice across various domains is essential for fostering success and resilience among youth. By integrating restorative practices into homes, schools, communities, and the juvenile justice system, we can create a supportive environment where young people are empowered to overcome challenges, repair harm, and embark on a path toward a brighter future.

References

Jeffco Public Schools. (2024). Jeffcopublicschools.org. https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/family_and_community_partnerships/restorative_practices_at_home

Zehr, H. (2024).About restorative justice. Wisc.edu. https://law.wisc.edu/fjr/rjp/justice.html

DISCUSSION POST 4: To help young people at home, schools, in the community, and in the juvenile system, we can use a different approach called restorative justice. Instead of just punishing them, we focus on fixing the harm caused and holding them accountable.

At home, families can talk openly about problems and find solutions together. Schools can use programs where students help each other solve conflicts peacefully. In the community, we can set up places where trained people help resolve issues and fix harm done. And in the juvenile system, we can offer programs that focus on helping young people learn from their mistakes instead of just punishing them.

By using restorative justice, we create environments where everyone feels heard and understood. It's about healing and fixing problems, not just punishing. It's a different way of doing things, but it can make a big difference in the lives of young people.

To help young people at home, schools, in the community, and in the juvenile system, we can use a different approach called restorative justice. Instead of just punishing them, we focus on fixing the harm caused and holding them accountable. " From a restorative justice perspective, rehabilitation cannot be achieved until the justice-involved youth acknowledges the harm he or she caused and makes amends (Bazemore and Umbreit, 1997)." ( Restorative justice for juveniles n.d.)

At home, families can talk openly about problems and find solutions together. Schools can use programs where students help each other solve conflicts peacefully. In the community, we can set up places where trained people help resolve issues and fix harm done. And in the juvenile system, we can offer programs that focus on helping young people learn from their mistakes instead of just punishing them." Interviews with parents or guardians are conducted as a part of an intake officer's efforts to gather information. " (Merlo 2018)

By using restorative justice, we create environments where everyone feels heard and understood. It's about healing and fixing problems, not just punishing. It's a different way of doing things, but it can make a big difference in the lives of young people.

References:

Merlo, A. V., & Benekos, P. (2018). Juvenile Justice System, The (9th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://ccis.vitalsource.com/books/9780134813295

Restorative Justice for Juveniles

Literature Review: A product of the Model Programs Guide n.d.

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/model-programs-guide/literature-reviews/restorative-justice-for-juveniles#:~:text=Restorative%20justice%20programs%20are%20designed%20to%20repair%20the%20harm%20caused,youths%20accountable%20for%20their%20actions.