Juvenile Detainees - Research Paper Example

It is the officer’s responsibility to ensure that the young detainees are provided with special education and psychological restoration, in order to help them regain their well-being and prevent recidivism. Correctional officers come across many unique situations in their profession, where the detainees require special attention and consideration. Cases of substance abuse, sexual abuse, children suffering from mental disorders, those belonging to minority groups and children with disabilities often come under this purview.

Keywords: Juvenile delinquency, deterrence, correctional officers, alcohol, drug and mental disorders (ADMs), detaineesDealing with Juvenile Detainees The role of a juvenile correctional officer is probably one of the most challenging ones, requiring a strong sense of solidarity as well as sensibility towards the juvenile detainees. The responsibilities of a correctional officer extend beyond mere provision of security and supervision. The future of a juvenile detainee often depends on the actions of his/her correctional officer.

Such a role can only be fully surmised when the tasks, responsibilities and the tribulations faced by an officer, in relation to the detainees assigned to him, are fully understood. The neurobiological and psychological states of children and adolescents are very fragile, especially in the case of juvenile delinquents. Most juvenile offenders are found to have psychological disorders and mental ailments, which expose them and the correctional officers to dangerous and often life threatening situations.

Young detainees are found to have a higher incidence of suicidal tendencies, substance abuse and criminal inclinations that often place correctional officers in unique situations that need to be dealt with meticulous, clever as well as humanitarian approaches. On account of their violent history, juvenile delinquents take a long time to rehabilitate and get back to a normal life. “Understanding principles of child development and children’s mental health can help guide the design and implementation of more e?

ective interventions for youth who have committed minor to moderately severe o?enses” (Arredondo, 2004, p. 135). I. Dealing with Juvenile Delinquents with Disabilities Most juvenile detainees are found to be mentally retarded or possess certain disabilities in learning and cognition, apart from emotional disturbances. These may be regarded as the primary factors that place these juvenile delinquents at their present disposition. In order to ensure their full recovery and rehabilitation, special child development strategies and literacy initiatives are required.

Correctional officers may often find themselves in a situation where they have to deal with mentally retarded juvenile offenders, especially when they have a history of substance abuse, mental disturbances and fits due to stress and depression, collectively called as alcohol, drug and mental disorders (ADMs) by medical health professionals. Such detainees engage in personal as well as public assault, posing a threat to themselves, other juvenile detainees and the correctional officers too. A.

Special Education and Child Development Programs Children in juvenile detention centers require special educational programs keeping in mind their requirements and disabilities. It is found that juvenile detainees who are provided with the necessary education and skills find it easier to revert to a normal life with lesser