Date
2-21-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Human Services
Abstract
The juvenile justice system faces significant controversies, primarily concerning accountability and the treatment of young offenders. With rising juvenile crime rates, especially in urban areas like Hennepin County, there is an urgent need for reform. How does the system balance the urgency to hold young offenders accountable while providing the necessary support to foster their rehabilitation? Together, we must explore these challenges to pave the way for a more even-handed and effective juvenile justice system that prioritizes the future of our youth. As legal frameworks intersect with adolescent growth, three key ethical domains emerge: ensuring developmental appropriateness, upholding fair treatment, and addressing mental health concerns. Rather than dismantling juvenile detention facilities, the emphasis should be on enhancing their capacity for effective intervention, fostering a balanced approach to juvenile criminality that prioritizes rehabilitation and community safety. The increase in juvenile crime necessitates a long-lasting response through innovative intervention strategies such as Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). By focusing on practical validated strategies tailored to individual needs, practitioners can enhance rehabilitation outcomes, advocating for a transformative shift within detention centers, that can help deter juveniles from the life of crime. We can shift from punitive approaches to supportive, developmentally appropriate practices that facilitate the reintegration of youth into society.