Juvenile Justice and Does it Work? Part 3

Juvenile Justice and Does it Work?

Getting Smart On Crime

Isn't it time we get smart on crime? Incarceration will always have a place in our criminal justice system, but for many juvenile offenders, prevention and treatment are far more effective and a whole lot less expensive.

A study in 2006 in Washington State concluded that there are many altenatives to incarceration. There is drug treatment, cognitive-bheavioral therapy and job training - effectively lowering crime rates, taxpayers saving thousands of dollars for every participant. Family therapy and aggression-replacement training for juvenile offenders which yielded even greater savings. Juvenile Justice Does it Work? Do you still think it works?

There is a study by the RAND Corporation which concluded that every dollar spent on drug treatment for cocaine users yields savings of $7.46 in reduced crime and lost productivity. Other studies have found similarly drastic results from investments in treatment.

Last December, two state Supreme Court Justices wrote to Barack Obama, then president-elect, urging major change in state and federal sentencing practices, to reduce US from relying on incarceration. As of the present day, the justices have concluded, "we use prisons as addicts use drugs." Like any other unhealthy dependence, our national addiction to juvenile justice and putting children behind bars will be tough to beat. But, it's the right thing and the smart thing to do.

Does the juvenile justice system work? I am not alone to have my doubts.