subject: The Current Status Of Drug Addiction Among Juveniles [print this page] Prior to 1889, teenagers who commit crime are tried and convicted the same way as older people. As social views began to change, amendments on how justice is served especially to minors were also included. The juvenile court was first created in 1889 and was supported by research that many juveniles are only teenagers that have lost their way and not hardened criminals. Terminologies in juvenile courts vary from regular court proceedings and verdict. For example, when a youth is presented in a juvenile court, he is asked to plead either "delinquent" or "not delinquent" rather than "guilty" or "not guilty". This is done in order to differentiate juveniles from hardened criminals.
The juvenile prison system works on the concept similar to the rest of the justice system. It focuses on giving rewards for good behavior rather than punishment for the bad. When a youth committed an offense and is being placed under a juvenile prison, he still has the opportunity to attend school and get a higher school diploma. There are many centers that also provide inmates with jobs like an assistant or kitchen staff within the jail.
The causes of many juvenile crimes are varied. The most common causes involve family problems, poverty, pressure from peers and drug abuse. Data on juvenile offenses reveal that there's an overall increase on the rate of offenses related to drug abuse and simple assaults. A study conducted for five years by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse revealed that four of every five children and teens between the ages of 10-17 were under the influence of drugs or alcohol while committing crime, test positive for drug addiction, arrested for committing a drug or alcohol offense, or share a combination of these characteristics. Surprising data showed that out of the 1.9 million arrests of juvenile offenders with substance abuse or drug addiction problems, only 3.8% received any form of treatment. The existence of drug rehabilitation programs should have benefit many of these juveniles but only few seek treatment or sent to treatment. The issue of the juvenile system now involves neglect.
With data obtained from the study, a complete overhaul is required in order to address the problems with juveniles committing crime specifically in relation to substance abuse and drug addiction. Availability of drug rehabilitation programs is one great consideration in aiding juveniles overcome addiction and get back to a sober and drug free life. Other than this, recommendations include training of all juvenile justice system employees, comprehensive in-home services, development of a state and national data system to build baseline progress and expansion of grant programs so that proper services will be given to these juveniles.
