Select one of the four special populations discussed in this module (youthful offenders, domestic violence offenders, female offenders, and the elderly) and complete the following: Your responses should include online library resources; relevant textbooks; peer-reviewed journal articles; and websites created by professional organizations, agencies, or institutions (.edu, .org, and .gov). Post your responses in a minimum of 300–500 words. All written assignments and responses should follow APA rules for attributing sources.
Special Populations in the Criminal Justice System: Youthful Offenders
Introduction
Youthful offenders are a special population within the criminal justice system that requires careful consideration and targeted interventions. This population consists of individuals who are under the age of 18 and have committed criminal offenses. Due to their unique circumstances, it is crucial to understand the factors that contribute to their involvement in crime, as well as the most effective strategies for prevention and intervention. This research aims to explore various resources and literature pertaining to youthful offenders to enhance understanding of this special population.
Online Library Resources
The online library provides a wealth of resources that can aid in understanding youthful offenders and their experiences within the criminal justice system. One recommended resource is the article by Feld and Bishop (2012) titled “The Challenges of Change: Causes, Principles, and Strategies for Reducing Persistent Juvenile Crime.” The authors discuss the common risk factors associated with juvenile criminal behavior and propose a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach for effective intervention. This article highlights the importance of addressing individual, family, and community factors in preventing and reducing juvenile crime.
Another valuable resource is the book “Juvenile Justice: Policies, Programs, and Practices” by Taylor, Fritsch, and Caeti (2018). This text provides an in-depth analysis of policies, programs, and practices within the juvenile justice system. It examines the key issues and challenges faced by juvenile justice professionals, including the factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency, effective preventive measures, and evidence-based interventions. This resource offers a comprehensive overview of the juvenile justice system, making it a valuable source for understanding the unique needs of youthful offenders.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
Peer-reviewed journal articles provide a rigorous analysis of research findings and offer insights into the experiences of youthful offenders. One such article is a study by Mulvey et al. (2017) titled “Trajectories of Criminal Involvement from Adolescence to Young Adulthood: The Effects of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender.” This research examines the longitudinal patterns of criminal involvement among a diverse sample of youthful offenders. The findings indicate variations in criminal trajectories based on race, ethnicity, and gender, highlighting the need for tailored interventions for different subgroups of youthful offenders.
Additionally, the article by Veysey, Turner, and Lowenkamp (2019) titled “The Role of System-Level and Individual-Level Factors in Recidivism Among Serious Juvenile Offenders” explores the factors associated with recidivism among serious youthful offenders. Utilizing data from the Pathways to Desistance study, the authors examine the impact of both system-level factors, such as court involvement and supervision, and individual-level factors, such as substance abuse and mental health issues, on recidivism rates. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing both systemic and individual factors in developing effective interventions for youthful offenders.
Websites Created by Professional Organizations, Agencies, or Institutions
Several professional organizations, agencies, and institutions have dedicated resources on youthful offenders that offer valuable insights into their experiences. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) website provides a wide range of information on evidence-based practices, programs, and policies related to juvenile justice. The “Youth Topics” section on their website offers resources on various aspects of youthful offending, including prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation strategies. The OJJDP website is an authoritative source that provides valuable information for professionals working with youthful offenders.
Another notable resource is the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) website, which offers research and publications on juvenile justice issues. Their reports and studies provide insight into the effectiveness of different approaches and interventions for youthful offenders. The “Juvenile Justice” section on the NIJ website offers resources on topics such as risk assessment, mental health, and interventions for youthful offenders. These resources are essential for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking evidence-based strategies to address the needs of youthful offenders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, youthful offenders are a unique population within the criminal justice system that requires specialized attention. The resources mentioned above, including online library resources, relevant textbooks, peer-reviewed journal articles, and websites from professional organizations and agencies, provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics surrounding youthful offenders. These resources offer insights into risk factors, effective interventions, and systemic issues associated with youthful offending. By utilizing these resources, professionals in the criminal justice system can enhance their knowledge and improve their ability to address the needs of youthful offenders effectively.
