Youth Offenders Essay

I chose this study because it provided a balanced look at the reality that youth offenders no matter their race can stop offending as adults. This study involved 25 males who had a history of juvenile delinquency (Ruhland, Witham, Daily & Johnson, 2006). There were Black, White, Asian, Native American and Other male participants. The participants were chosen because they had no serious crimes since becoming adults (Ruhland et al., 2006). In addition, it investigated the perspectives of the male participants to understand what they identified as having helped them to avoid recidivism. The study revealed all the juveniles interviewed (Ruhland et al., 2006) felt disheartened by their treatment plan and the juvenile justice system. The now adults expressed during their interviews that the role of the rehabilitation program played in their decision to cease criminal activities was minimal. However, they identified other factors that played a significant role in providing them the support needed. For example, extended family support, religious affiliation, parenthood, and new peers (Ruhland et al., 2006). The study concluded that these youth (that did not become adult offenders) were less likely as juveniles to have abused drugs or committed violent crimes involving weapons (Ruhland, et al., 2006). Additionally, there were similarities in the background of all youth interviewed, they had fathers who didn’t have criminal records and fathers were involved in
their lives (Ruhland, et al., 2006).

The researchers conducted quantitative and qualitative research methods to collect data.
Data for this study was collected from the Court system and the Probation case files. The case files were used to draw a clearer perspective of the identity (i.e. backgrounds) of the participants. Quantitative analysis was further expanded upon in a qualitative manner (Ruhland, et al., 2006) using in-depth interviews consisting of open-ended questions (Ruhland, et al., 2006) about their family dynamics and juvenile system
etc.

In closing, I believe the articles I chose did a good job of answering my question that maltreatment has played a role in youth of all races committing crimes. The juvenile justice system and police have shown prejudices in their disproportionate treatment of Black youth in comparison to Latino and White youth who commit crimes on the same level. In addition, there are definitely some issues (i.e. people) within our legal system that need to be removed to promote equality for all in society. If not the inequality can be a significant reason as to why some research studies show Black youth as having a more negative attitude towards police and the justice system in the U.S. In addition, the research has revealed our juvenile justice system and its rehabilitation programs can use revamping. For example, the programs seem to focus too much on the punishment and not on trying to develop the juvenile to help them avoid reoffending as adults. However, it was nice to see that some of the studies found that there are some juveniles who have transitioned into adulthood and lost their desire to continue criminal activity. These youth offenders now adults contribute their success in life to having the support they needed in family, religious affiliations and strong parental presence.