Juvenile Corrections and Rehabilitation

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1) Is it possible to reconcile the dual objectives of a juvenile correctional and rehabilitation institution and of public or staff safety issues?

Yes. The juvenile correctional and rehabilitative systems seek to reform youth. If youth were on the streets without rehabilitation or reform programming, then they would be a danger to public safety. In that sense, public safety is improved by juvenile correctional and rehabilitative institutions more than merely incarcerating members because rehabilitation helps improve the offenders, while incarceration often just hardens youth who eventually return to society as worse criminals. See, http://www.nlada.org/DMS/Documents/1100534583.37/1113JUVIES-MAIN14.html. Following the same logic, institution staff are better protected when juveniles are offered reform because the staff are dealing with a group who is working to be less violent. If juveniles do not receive reform or rehabilitation, then they are might be more likely to behave violently toward staff. As long as the institution makes staff and youth safety a priority then the two are reconcilable. For example, see http://dhhs.ne.gov/children_family_services/Pages/jus_yrtc_aboutyrtcg.aspx.

2) How can positive change be measured while a juvenile is in secure confinement? How can you ensure these behaviors transition from detention to the community?

Change can be measured through objective standards. Positive changes can be measured by observing behavior, e.g., has the youth stopped throwing objects, or has the youth stopped striking others? For example, http://www.edra.org/sites/default/files/publications/EDRA04-Hahn-138-149_1.pdf. Positive changes in attitude can be measured through ...