Juvenile_Justice_System

Juvenile Justice System. Juvenile Justice System. Wais Ghowsi Instructor: Michael J. Kilbane M.S CRJ 180 August 15th , 2011 [pic] In our society today, the Juvenile justice system is a powerful foundation that has been granted responsibilities. Among the very several tasks, the most important task is to maintain order and constitutional rights of the juveniles. From the time of a juvenile’s arrest, there are several factors that play important roles during the whole course of the arrest, trial, sentencing, and rehabilitation of the juvenile. The Juvenile justice system is broken down to 10 steps and we will discuss each step thoroughly. Police Investigation: After a crime has been reported, the first step in the Juvenile justice system is the police investigation. Usually, the police investigation is a very ongoing process where the victim and the witness services serve as a liaison between the police and the victim. here, they provide response in crisis, provide accompaniment to interviews and assist with victims Compensation application. Transfer Hearing: After a juvenile is arrested, based on the type of crime, the juvenile can be presented in the adult system if he/she is charged with certain crimes with a deadly weapon, or has prior adjudication for certain crimes or he/she may not be suitable for the rehabilitation process. 72 Hour Detention Hearing: This is where the juvenile will receive a detention hearing if the juvenile is detained at the service center during the time of the arrest. The hearing takes place before a court master within the first 72 hours. The purpose of this is to determine if the juvenile should remain in detention until adjudication hearing. Detained: The juvenile remains at the Juvenile Detention center waiting for the outcome of the adjudication and disposition hearing if they are detained. The adjudication hearing takes place within 10 days after the juvenile is detained. Released: If a juvenile is released, they are able to return home with their parents, where they are waiting for the outcome of the adjudication and disposition hearing. Adjudication Hearing: Here, it is decided wether the juvenile is guilty or innocent. Victims receive a blue form from Victim/Witness services. It is used to collect restitution claim form information and victim impact statements. Victims and witnesses may receive a summons to appear in court. If the charges are proven, the juvenile will be adjudicated delinquent and the juvenile will be scheduled for a disposition hearing. If the charges are not proven then the juvenile is released. Disposition Hearing: This is basically like the sentencing hearing in the adult system. It is also possible for the adjudication hearing to take place at the same time as the disposition hearing but it can be scheduled for a later date. There might be a pre-disposition investigation done by the Juvenile Probation office. here, The probation officer will contact the victims for input as well as contact other community agencies that may have relevant information regarding the juvenile. Placement: This happens when a juvenile is sent to an institution, group, home or foster care placement by a judge or a master. Probation: During probation, the juvenile is monitored by a Juvenile Probation officer to make sure that the juvenile offender is following the court order. Dispositional Review: This review is done every 6 months to review the progress of the juvenile towards rehabilitation. Overall, the juvenile justice system is a great system in helping to rehabilitate the juvenile offenders and it has come a long way as it continues to grow. Refrences: Simonsen, C.E., Vito, G.F., (2004). Juvenile Justice Today. (4th ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall. Caeti, T.J., Fritsch, E.J., Taylor, R.W., (2008). Juvenile Justice. (2nd ed.). McGraw Hill. Hartjen, C.A. (2008). Youth, Crime, & Justice: A Global Inquiry. Rutgers University Press. http://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/westmoreland/cwp/view.asp'a=1503&q=623003&westmorelandNav=%7C