Juvenile Justice Authority in Maine - Term Paper Example

Journals, books, and credible Government and educational websites have been used as references. The Juvenile Justice System In order to explore the juvenile justice authority activities in Maine, we must first understand the juvenile justice system of the state. The juvenile justice system in Maine is functional inside the greater juvenile justice framework of the United States. The theory behind this framework is based on extensive research, experience, and sociological introspection. Critical theorists and sociologists hold juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice in the terms of a class structured capitalist society.

“They point to economic and social inequalities that increase the probability of lower-class youth turning to crime because so few opportunities are open to them. Critical criminologists contend that the origin of the concept of delinquency and juvenile justice in America is based on economic and class differences.” (Hesse and Lawrence, 2010, p. 59) The juvenile justice authority in Maine practically implements the conceptual framework based on this theoretical perspective. Under the auspices of Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC), the juvenile services of the state seek to establish a society oriented approach that will give rise to a collaborative and supportive social system including the individuals along with their communities and families.

Thus, the factors that put children at risk can be addressed and necessary action can be taken in proper time. Technically, the resultant functionary is both proactive and amply oriented to the social needs. Juvenile Justice in Maine: An Overview The Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) regulates juvenile justice in the state through its Division of Juvenile Services, which is the main juvenile justice authority in the region. In their publication Taking Measure, the authorities have explicitly explained their mission in the following words: “To promote public safety by ensuring that juvenile offenders are provided with education, treatment and other services that teach skills and competencies; strengthen prosocial behaviors and require accountability to victims and communities.

” (MDOC, Division of Juvenile Services, 2007, p. 3) The structure of the service framework is primarily based on the youth development centers. The two most prominent centers are: 1. The Long Creek Youth Development Center (LCYDC) 2. The Mountain View Youth Development Center (MVYDC) LCYDC: The center was originally named the Boys Training Center established in 1853. After several remodeling and adaptation drives, “it continues to redefine many of its program functions to enable a total multi-disciplined team approach in working with those committed and held within the facility.

” (MDOC, 2011a) MVYDC: This facility started operation in 1998. “This secure facility replaced the use of county jails within the ten counties as the primary detention location for juveniles pending court action prior to sentencing” (MDOC, 2001b) It also serves the purpose of brief confinements. Moreover, the juvenile services have collaborated with the University of Southern Maine in order to embark on different social-scientific projects. These projects address the evolving needs of the juvenile justice framework.

Many of the projects are designed to collected and exploit statistical data regarding juvenile delinquency and its effects in the