Wrongdoing In America

Across the United States, thousands of children have been sentenced as adults, estimating at about 3,000 nationwide that have been sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole (Pollock). As young as the age of 13 years old, children are being tried as adults and sentenced to “die in prison”, without any consideration of their age or offense. Many young children in America are affected by abuse, neglect, domestic and community violence, and poverty. For many of these youth the act of wrongdoing is a cry for help. Without effective intervention and help, a majority of these children suffer and struggle to maintain any type of stability in their lives. For many kids, these unstable environments make it difficult to manage the
emotional, social, and psychological challenges that occur through out adolescence and as a result find themselves engaging in destructive and violent behavior (Justice Quarterly). This being said, many states continue to ignore the crisis that enhances child delinquency and instead puts kids in positions of further victimization and abuse by placing them in the adult criminal justice system. In my observation, the incarceration of young prisoners in adult prisons has a particularly damaging effect. If rehabilitation is the ultimate goal for teenage offenders, then adult prison is not the answer. Young prisoners are more likely to be inclined by negative influences than adults. Adolescence is a time of maturity, growth, and self-understanding. It is a time where young adults learn from their surroundings and grow off the influences around them; in turn help them understand their place in society. The harsh reality of lengthy sentences in threatening environments potentially makes young offenders pursue protection and reassurance. Many juveniles’ identities have yet to fully develop, thus, he or she are much more likely to adopt negative behaviors that are common in prison environments. Youth in adult prisons are five times more likely to be sexually assaulted then in juvenile facilities, as well as face the increased risk of becoming suicidal (Justice Quarterly). Fearful of being victimized and assaulted, young offenders generate a need for protection. Many find that such hostile behaviors, in addition to the reliance of gangs and weapons, are the only possible securities in such circumstances. Aside from the fear that is among many young prisoners, the overwhelming feeling of weakness and hopelessness make it difficult to focus on reconstructing their attitudes and thoughts. For this reason, any type of rehabilitation is nearly impossible in such dangerous environments.