Prevention and Intervention Programs for Juvenile Offenders - Essay Example

 Reducing delinquency is the main goal of intervention programs and strategies in the justice system. Probation is one of such strategies that can help in preventing young offenders engaging in criminal careers in future. In the present case, although the minor’s activities caused damage worth thousands of dollars, it is important that the defendant be released from his probation period. For reasons to be discussed below, this is not only advantageous to the defendant but also to the entire community. Based on the present evidence, it appears that the probation period has served its purpose and there is no need to further keep the defendant on probation. First, from a cost-benefit point of view, it makes sense to terminate the probation period. There are many costs associated with running intervention programs such as probation (Greenwood, 2008). Evidence shows that the defendant has reformed and is no longer a threat to the society. An early release will help reduce the costs associated with monitoring him during the probation period. It is therefore sensible to allow the defendant to integrate into the community and use the available resources to help other individuals through such intervention programs. The damages caused by the defendant are quite enormous, but these costs cannot be compared to the overall costs incurred by tax payers in financing such programs. By releasing the defendant, the court will send a message to the entire country and the world on the importance of saving costs through early termination of probation. There are many juvenile offenders who might be in a similar situation, and if this is applied to all, the country will save on these costs. Secondly, the defendant, being only a 17-yealr old boy, is yet to complete school and start building his life. It is the desire of every citizen to see young men and women grow into mature and responsible adults. Termination of the probation period will help in achieving this. It will give the defendant enough time for his studies, and engage in income generating activities. However, by keeping him on probation, the defendant wastes precious time doing community service and other probation-related activities. Under the current circumstances, the probation period already served by the defendant appears to have yielded the desired result, and therefore it is important to allow him to build his life. When an intervention program has achieved the desired result, the person involved should be allowed to continue with his normal life, thereby giving him an opportunity to become a better person in future. Holding defendants, especially juveniles, for long periods on probation denies them the chance to develop. Thirdly, the defendant has not violated the probation terms and there is no evidence to suggest that he has been uncooperative. Therefore, the defendant should be allowed to complete his probation period early due to his ability to remain cooperative and disciplined throughout the entire period. Currently, he has completed eight hours of community service and has an average of C in school. Such behavior and achievements by the defendant show that he has reformed. This suggests that the defendant meets the conditions necessary for early termination of his probation period. Fourth, for the time the defendant has been on probation, he has developed to become a useful member of the society. An effective intervention program is one that empowers the individual become a productive member of the community (Greenwood, 2008). Not only does he manage a C grade in school but also takes part in sport activities. If the defendant is released from probation, he is likely to make a meaningful contribution to the society. He will then set a good example to other young people in the society through useful activities like sports. The skills he has acquired during community service can help him develop as an individual and also inspire those around him. Early termination of probation will thus allow the defendant reform the society, especially the young people who might be engaging or planning to engage in criminal activities. Therefore, he is no longer a threat to the society, and hence should be released. I believe the judge will find that early termination of his probation period is not a threat to society but rather an important strategy that will help promote peace and stability in society. Fifth, the defendant, being a first time offender, should be supported to avoid further encounters with the justice system. For many youths, the rate of reoffending relates to the nature of punishment they receive. Those who receive tougher or extended penalties are likely to reoffend again. This is because as first time offenders ‘get used’ to the punishment, they no longer become scared. If the defendant is kept on probation until he is 19, it is likely that he will no longer feel the pain of the probation and seriousness of the punishment. The chances that he will reoffend in future only increase. The judge therefore should put this into consideration, and understand that the longer the punishment is given, the less effective it becomes. Finally, allowing juveniles spend more time with their parents and guardians helps promote good behavior and reduce chances of developing criminal behaviors. The present case is a perfect example of where such intervention could yield better outcomes. If the defendant can be allowed to terminate his probation period early, there is the chance that he will receive the much needed guidance from the parents and the community in general. This is particularly possible since this is a first time offender, and the chances that he has developed a criminal mind are small. Research has demonstrated that the best intervention programs are those that encourage family interactions (Greenwood, 2008). Although under the defendant has some level of interaction while on probation, terminating the probation early will help promote these interactions further. In conclusion, the present case presents the juvenile justice system with an opportunity to strengthen and improve its intervention strategies applied on juveniles. The country uses a lot of money in arresting and treating juvenile offenders, and this calls for the need to minimize on such costs. The present case best illustrates why early termination of probation periods should be applied in the justice system. This gives the defendant an opportunity to rebuild his life, and make meaningful contributions to the society. If punishments are served for long periods of time, the defendants are unlikely to see the real purpose of such punishments. Although the damages caused by the defendant are extensive, allowing him to stay on probation for a long period will only make matters worse. Reference Greenwood, P (2008). Prevention and Intervention Programs for Juvenile Offenders. The Future of Children, 18(2): pp. 185-210. Read More