Abuse-Neglect and Delinquency, Essay Example

As the professional in charge of the juvenile justice/family services branch of government, I would want my workers to understand that juveniles do not act out because they are intrinsically bad. Instead, they act out because they were potentially subject to cruel treatment by their families and those they trust. Thus, it is important to approach juvenile justice from a rehabilitative point of view. Providing juvenile delinquents with enhanced access to counseling and other support services can help them recognize that they have been wronged and the proper way to respond is not by committing crimes or engaging in negative behavior. Creating programs that will allow these individuals to have more direct access to counseling will be beneficial overall. There is always a reason for misbehavior and criminal action, so it is important for juvenile justice agencies to determine the source of these problems. Sexual abuse is a problem that many juveniles encounter. Since many of these individuals are unable to cope with this traumatic event, they tend to lash out. It is beneficial for such individuals to have regular sessions with a therapist who can help them understand the basis for their behaviors and take actions to cope with previous damage, thereby altering current actions and attitudes. The cycle of violence is an apparent problem and is a chain that must be broken. By showing juveniles how to cope with their past, we can prevent them from committing this same kind of abuse to others. It is important to consider that this is an issue that occurs at a variety of socioeconomic levels. Each juvenile has his or her own story with abuse and/or neglect, so it is beneficial for them to be treated on a personalized basis. Doing so will contribute to the efficacy of juvenile justice and family services, adding to the potential for a brighter future for all juveniles involved in the system.