Juvenile Justice System in the USA - Essay Example

Juvenile Justice System Introduction The study focuses on resistant and persistent offenders, their characteristics, present study, type of antisocial behavior, the degree of different kind of behaviors offenders show, and whether the behavior is related to social development or life circumstance that he or she faces now. Considering the desistance process, an offender must be given treatment immediately after custody in rehabilitation especially on drug abuse. An offender must not be gauged on a single behavioral characteristic he or she shows currently, but the pattern of the offense matters a lot. This will help in developing best methods of dealing with the desistance process and in creating screening tools for a good decision and for risk management. The main purpose is to evaluate the best rehabilitation and therapeutic methods that we can employ to help the juvenile criminals successfully rejoin the society without repeating the criminal acts. The rehabilitation program put in place in conjunction with therapeutic methods will address the main cause of juveniles indulging into criminal activities. This will involve management of drug and substance abuse regarding the minor in question, giving jobs to the juvenile criminal, providing housing for those with no family to house them, and training them to acquire necessary skills that will enable them get jobs. In addition to these, the juvenile criminal is presented a chance to interact with peers and family members. Research Method This study will examine minors in disorderly behavior over a period of three years with cases in court. The study will involve a sample of 1,119 male lawbreakers who are minors. We will use a growth mixture model and create five groups whose characteristics as age, rebellious history, origin, felonious father, substance use, psychosocial development, and culture. The persistent group is 8.7% while the desisted group is 14.6% of the sample. Some characteristics of rebellious acts will be assessed from the report of many offenders; this means that the groups of offers who desist and those who continue need further concern on what factors really lead to this. During the study, the juvenile criminals will be placed into groups and a set of characteristics on each studied. The core characteristics under study include Criminal record, Substance abuse, Feelings toward the law, and psychosocial development. Quantitative Methods Quantitative research methods are usually concerned with determining the truth regarding criminal justice. According to Caputi and Balnaves (2001), qualitative research methods are best applicable in social science studies. Quantitative research methods, as applied in social science, are applicable in establishing relationships (Caputi & Balnaves, 2001, p. 41).Variables are checked to determine their relation, cause and effect, and variation. At most, there always exist one dependent variable which is the outcome; and one independent variable which is the predictor variable. In our case, the independent variable is the arrest of the juvenile criminal, which is the outcome after committing a criminal offense that is our dependent variable. After the juvenile is pronounced guilty, then the arrest is mandatory but this arrest has to be determined if it is productive or not as far as the future of the convicted minor is concerned (Quantitative Research Design, 2015). Survey Research This is the most often used mode of observation in criminology. It involves gathering of information from a sample of persons through their reply to questions. Survey research is normally carried out via correspondence, phone, computer, or in person. Surveys like these contain a blend of open-ended and closed-ended questions. Open-ended questions ask the chosen individuals to give an answer to a particular question. For example, "What is the most effective measure to curb juvenile crimes?” closed-ended questions request the individual to choose an answer from a list of choices provided. Surveys are flexible, resourceful, and cheap. It has some disadvantages that include problems in sampling, dimensionality, and generally survey plan (Data Collection Methods, 2010). Experimental and Quasi-experimental Research Its foundation and outcome is considered the best. Numerous experiments have a pre-test and a post-test. The previous examination measures the dependent variable before the experimental intrusion while the second examination measures the independent variable after the experimental group has received the final verdict. In criminology and criminal justice, some experiments have been conducted which include the Domestic Violence Experiment, where criminals were randomly assigned to detention, arbitration, division. Quasi-experimental research is short of the indiscriminate task to investigate and manage groups, but can be calculated by close and cautious matching of subjects across the two groups on different key variables (Quasi-Experimental Design, 2006). Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Research Cross-sectional research involves studying a single group at a single point in time. Babbie (2013, p. 111) describes a cross-sectional study as one that involves observations of the selected sample of phenomenon to explain a particular trend observed during the time when it (the phenomenon) was under inquiry. This offers an immediate glance of the occurrence being studied, refers to a sample representation of the group, and thus allows researchers to generalize their conclusions. Longitudinal research is commonly used to designs a panel and cohort. Both undertake a study on a similar group over a given period and review is undertaken within-group-change and between-group-change. Panel studies follow the same sample over time while cohort studies scrutinize more specific populations like cohorts since they change over time. Panel studies undertake interview the similar group of people two or more periods. Cohort studies follow specific cohorts as they vary over time (Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Research, 2009). Quantitative research method is advantageous is diverse ways. Samples of persons, society, or organizations can be chosen at random, and this ensures the whole population is represented. It enables analysis of structural factors that resolve how dissimilarity is produced. Records concerning the content and purpose of the survey can be provided so that other. Researchers can assess the legitimacy of the findings. The use of observation is accurate especially in observing behavior of a juvenile criminal. Questionnaires used can cover a wide area thus a high number of data is collected. The method, however, can be disadvantageous in the following ways. Issues such as violence cannot be captured through this method. Study on sex workers, drug users, illegal immigrants, squatters and ethnic minorities are always difficult to reach because when questionnaires are used, they may fail to answer due to fear, and observation cannot work, the group is too large and scattered. Furthermore, questionnaires may give out inaccurate or incomplete data. Undertaking studies in the large area will be so expensive and time-consuming, and results may take long to be captured. Condensing the data acquired may lead to loss of vital information. Variables must be tested before use which wastes time and resources. A selection of procedures for undertaking statistical study must be accurate since it can result in erroneous findings if chosen inaccurately regarding impact. Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics Descriptive statistics is fundamental in analysis and summary of data to depict the possible or implied pattern observed. It shows possible patterns that the data analyzed might show. It provides a visual outline of the pattern that the data shows and simplifies it for comprehensive analysis. It may depict trends such as distribution shown using graphs, for instance. An example of a measure of spread is finding the mean of the data. Others include calculating the standard deviation, the variance of data, or the quartiles. The range and absolute deviation also present viable means to measure the spread of data. Descriptive statistics also involve the measure of central tendencies such as the mode, mean and medium of data. Descriptive statistics are advantages because of their clarity when analyzing voluminous data. Besides, there is low margin of error when using descriptive statistics for the analysis of data. There are no uncertainties in the results derived. It presents a relatively simple way to do data analysis compared to other methods. Analyzed data can be presented both numerically and in graphs. Further, it presents a basis for further and advanced statistical analysis of the data. According to Gailmard (2014, p. 12), descriptive statistics enables a researcher to ascertain the behavior of different variables in the dataset being used. Descriptive statistics, however, may be disadvantageous because the only permit making summations about the elements analyzed in the data. Furthermore, descriptive statistics require extensive calculations and explanations. It is subject to misinterpretation because it merely presents summation of the data without comprehensive analysis. Inferential statistics It refers to measures that are applicable when making forecasts or estimates of data under analysis. The inference is made based on the statistical features of a sample and used to deduce characteristics of a large data. Inferential statistics are important when making decisions about cause and effects or giving predictions about a phenomenon. Psychologists apply inferential statistics to make judgment on whether the variations in data are useful or can show significance (Pastorino & Doyle-Portillo, 2012, p. 588). Decisions or predictions made using inferential statistics exceed the immediate data presented. In involves testing the significance and categorical associations. Inferential statistics is advantageous because it is detailed and can provide comprehensive information compared to descriptive statistics. Inferential statistics show relationships between variables measured. Besides, they can be applicable to show causes of a phenomenon and resultant effects that enables predictions to be made. Possible disadvantages of inferential statistics are that it is challenging to learn and apply in statistical analysis. In most instances, similar to descriptive statistics, it may be subject to misinterpretation. Furthermore, it highly depends on succinct analysis and use of theory as the basis of data interpretation. Correlational analysis Correlation in research is used to describe the influence of one variable on the other variable (s), positive or negative, as explained by Jeffe (2010). Correlational analysis involves an investigation as to whether the variables measured have any variations and, if they do, to assess the extent and strength of their relationship. It is mainly achievable when applying the linear relationship that is ascertained to exist between the variables under study. The correlation co-efficient is calculated to ascertain either positive or negative relationship or the existence of no relationship. Correlational analysis is advantageous because it can be used to test a hypothesis. It testing the hypothesis, the analysis will determine whether a variation in X variable is responsible for the variation in Y variable of the data under analysis. It also reveals possible associations between variables. It is useful in getting the estimation of how the value of a variable corresponds to a given value of another variable. Correlational analysis may be disadvantageous because it cannot show the causations. The finding that variables correlate does not indicate causation of another variable. Based on that perspective, correlation can be subject to misuse because there may be not relationship between variables that correlate. Regression analysis The analysis involves finding out possible relationship between a constant (independent) variable and that of other (one or more) dependent variables of the data under analysis. The first step is to hypothesize a model is applicable to explain the relationship. After estimation, the parameter values are estimated using a regression equation. Determination of the model is through various tests. If the tests prove that the model is satisfactory, the equation is applied to estimate other dependent variables. Regression analysis is advantageous because it can be applicable to predicting the future. It can be projected to show likely trend in the next quarter, for instance. Because it can be applicable to show future trends, the analysis can be applicable to make accurate decisions. It is however, disadvantageous when projections are out of range and, therefore, subject to inaccuracy. It is subject to outliers and may present estimates of parameters that are unknown. Preferred method Based on the evaluation of the four statistical analysis methods, the most preferable is the descriptive statistics. It best suits the study and applicable to show changes in the disorderly behavior of minors over a period of three years. It allows presentation of data that is easy to interpret and deduce conclusions. Data can both be in numerical or graphic forms. It allows analysis using several measures including percentiles and quartiles of the data. It is equally easy to have mean, median and modes of the data. It will be easy to calculate other measure such as variance and standard deviation. Annotated References Barnes, J. C., Miller, H. V., & Miller, J. M. (2009). Identifying leading characteristics associated with juvenile drug court admission and success: A research note. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 7(4), 350-360. doi:10.1177/1541204009334630 The study addresses the type of variability that exists in juvenile criminals. The influence of the background characteristics of the offenders depicts the period they commit a crime. Bernard, T. J. (1999). Juvenile crime and the transformation of juvenile justice: Is there a juvenile crime wave?. Justice Quarterly, 16(2), 337-356. doi: 10.1080/074188299000 94161 Judges always make judgments basing on the history of the criminal; but this is not true According to a study carried out by judgment is to make on the severity of the offense committed not the criminal record of the offender. On substance abuse, the determinant is the type of substance, the level of the substance and time span, how long the juvenile criminal has been using the substance. Substance abuse in a certain age highly affects the mind of a minor leading to the creation of an offense later on in life but with time drug abuse in relation to crime change over time. Andrews, D. A., & Bonta, J. (2010). Rehabilitating criminal justice policy and practice. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 16(1), 39. DOI: 10.1037/a0018362 According to Andrews and Bonta (2010), the dominant approach that has always been applied in criminal justice is that which promotes harsh punishment on offenders. Punishment, however, has proved unreliable in deterring crime, especially among juveniles. That prompts measures such as rehabilitation to ensure correction of offenders. Offender rehabilitation, therefore, presents a perfect strategy to address the increasing crime rate among the youth, for instance. Teplin, L. A., Abram, K. M., McClelland, G. M., Washburn, J. J., & Pikus, A. K. (2005). Detecting mental disorder in juvenile detainees: who receives services. American Journal of Public Health, 95(10), 1773. doi: 10.1542/peds.2006-0959 Teplin et al. (2005) conducted a study to probe whether juvenile detainees suffering from mental disorders receive treatment using a sample of 1829 sampled individuals. The study revealed that only 15.4% of juvenile detainees suffering from mental disorders have access to treatment while at their centers where they are detained. In essence, there is a serious public health concern given the low number of juvenile detainees suffering from mental illnesses who receive treatments. Young, D. W., Dembo, R., & Henderson, C. E. (2007). A national survey of substance abuse treatment for juvenile offenders. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 32(3), 255-266. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2006.12.018 According to Young, Dembo and Henderson (2007), there are diverse problems identified among youths who are involved in the juvenile justice system. The problems vary from personal to family and, in some instances, education. Among them are substance abuse and use, which is on the rise. Young, D. W., Dembo, R., & Henderson, C. E. (2007). A National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment for Juvenile Offenders. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 32(3), 255–266. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2006.12.018 Young, Dembo & Henderson (2007) highlight the high number of juvenile offenders who use multiple drugs. Several researchers have cited drugs abuse as a leading cause of offence among juveniles, a fact proven by this article. References Andrews, D. A., & Bonta, J. (2010). Rehabilitating criminal justice policy and practice. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 16(1), 39. DOI: 10.1037/a0018362 Babbie, E. (2013). The basics of social research. Cengage Learning. Barnes, J. C., Miller, H. V., & Miller, J. M. (2009). Identifying leading characteristics associated with juvenile drug court admission and success: A research note. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 7(4), 350-360. doi:10.1177/154120400933463094161 Bernard, T. J. (1999). Juvenile crime and the transformation of juvenile justice: Is there a juvenile crime wave?. Justice Quarterly, 16(2), 337-356. doi: 10.1080/074188299000 Caputi, P., & Balnaves, M. (2001). Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods: An Investigative Approach. London, UK: Sage. Data collection methods: Qualitative and quantitative methods. (2010). Retrieved from http://mypeer.org.au/monitoring-evaluation/data-collection-methods/quantitative-research-design Gailmard, S. (2014). Statistical Modeling and Inference for Social Science. Cambridge University Press. Jaffe, A. (2010, Mar 30). Correlation, causation, and association - What does it all mean???. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/all-about-addiction/201003/correlation-causation-and-association-what-does-it-all-mean Pastorino, E & Doyle-Portillo, S. (2012). Cengage Advantage Books: What is Psychology? Essentials. Cengage Learning. Rea, L. M., & Parker, R. A. (2014). Designing and conducting survey research: A comprehensive guide. John Wiley & Sons. Shuttleworth, M. (2008). Quantitative research design. Retrieved from https://explorable.com/ Teplin, L. A., Abram, K. M., McClelland, G. M., Washburn, J. J., & Pikus, A. K. (2005). Detecting mental disorder in juvenile detainees: who receives services. American Journal of Public Health, 95(10), 1773. doi: 10.1542/peds.2006-0959 Trochim, W. M. K. (2006). Quasi-experimental design. Retrieved from http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/quasiexp.php What researchers mean by…cross-sectional vs. longitudinal studies. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.iwh.on.ca/wrmb/cross-sectional-vs-longitudinal-studies Young, D. W., Dembo, R., & Henderson, C. E. (2007). A national survey of substance abuse treatment for juvenile offenders. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 32(3), 255-266. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2006.12.018 Young, D. W., Dembo, R., & Henderson, C. E. (2007). A National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment for Juvenile Offenders. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 32(3), 255–266. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2006.12.018 Read More