AN OVERVIEW OF JUVENILE JUSTICE IN THE UNITED STATES
An Overview of Juvenile Justice in the United States
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Learning objectives
AFTER READING THIS CHAPTER, THE STUDENT WILL BE ABLE TO:
- Explain the concept of parens patriae.
- Differentiate between the types of juvenile offenders, including delinquents and status offenders.
- Explain the structure of the juvenile justice system and the roles and functions of various juvenile justice agencies.
- Summarize how juvenile offenders are processed through the criminal justice system.
- Understand the meaning of the deinstitutionalization of status offenders.
Introduction
The juvenile justice system is unique. This book explains the system and how it has evolved. The organization of this chapter is as follows: First, the juvenile justice system is described. Certain features of juvenile justice are similar in all states. Various professionals work with youth, and they represent both public and private agencies and organizations. From police officers to counselors, professionals endeavor to improve the lives of youth.
Every jurisdiction has its own criteria for determining who juveniles are and whether they are under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. A majority of states classify juveniles as youth who range in age from 7 to 17 years, and juvenile courts in these states have jurisdiction over these youth. Some states have no minimum-age provisions and consider each case on its own merits, regardless of the age of the juvenile.
Because juveniles are not considered adults and, therefore, fully responsible for some of their actions, special laws have been established that pertain only to them. Thus, violations specific to juveniles are referred to as status offenses. Juveniles who commit such infractions are categorized as status offenders. Juveniles who engage in acts that are categorized as crimes are juvenile delinquents, and their actions are labeled juvenile delinquency. In brief, delinquent acts for youth would be crimes if committed by adults. By contrast, status offenses are not considered crimes if adults engage in them. Examples of status offenses include runaway behavior, truancy, unruly behavior, and curfew violation. The characteristics of youth involved in such behaviors will also be described.
