Over the past two decades, youth crime rates have declined significantly. However, public perceptions of youth violence have led to widespread support for dismantling the juvenile court system and trying children as adults. This shift replaces rehabilitation with incarceration as the primary solution to juvenile delinquency. This compelling collection challenges the notion that incarceration effectively reduces crime and advocates for social policies that explore workable alternatives.
In Part I, the articles delve into critical areas within the juvenile justice system, such as aftercare and the double standard that exists for girls. Throughout these selections, issues of class, racial bias, and gender bias are highlighted, providing a comprehensive understanding of the systemic challenges faced by the juvenile justice system. Part II presents specific recommendations for reform, emphasizing innovative approaches to finding alternatives to secure confinement.
For those interested in further exploration, Randall G. Shelden's other works are available from Waveland Press, including "Delinquency and Juvenile Justice in American Society, Second Edition" (ISBN 9781577667070), "Crime and Criminal Justice in American Society" (ISBN 9781577664789), and "Our Punitive Society: Race, Class, Gender, and Punishment in America" (ISBN 9781577666325). Additionally, related titles of interest from Waveland Press include Dawley's "A Nation of Lords: The Autobiography of the Vice Lords, Second Edition" (ISBN 9780881336283), Vigil's "Gang Redux: A Balanced Anti-Gang Strategy" (ISBN 9781577666547), and Weisheit-Culbertson's "Juvenile Delinquency: A Justice Perspective, Fourth Edition" (ISBN 9781577660903).