This essay will look at why do youth justice professionals argue for a reduction in the use of incarceration for young people and why has it been unsuccessful.
Foundation Degree in Crime and Community Safety Shazmin Khatun
Young people and Crime
This essay will look at ‘why do youth justice professionals argue for a reduction in the use of incarceration for young people and why has it been unsuccessful’. Muncie believes that “Youth justice is an area of social control prone to conflict, ambiguity and unintended consequences” (2004, pg 155). This confusion stems partly from the historical dual purpose of care and punishment. It is also related to the pivotal position ‘troublesome youths’ hold in politically-inspired law and order discourses.
Burrell (2002) states that “The number of children behind bars has risen above 3,000 for the first time and the government’s youth crime chiefs have warned ministers about the rise in those aged 12 and 13 years old being locked up”. The youth justice board revealed that there are 10 children aged 12, 75 children aged 13 and 175 aged 14 now being incarcerated in England and Wales. Burrell (2002) stated that “The number of children in custody under 14 has risen by 75 per cent since last year”. Arnold (2008) believes that “If an individual is under the age of eighteen, he or she should still be considered a child and treated appropriately by the legal system”. Arnold (2008) argues that “Contrary to current beliefs, children should not be treated as adults because juvenile justice system proves more beneficial to helping children”. This is true as children should be given the chance to make themselves better which they can do in a juvenile justice system and not in an adult prison. Arnold (2008) states that “Juvenile justice institutions are equipped with counsellors and programs that can help convicted youths get on the right track”.
