Time, and time again it has been irrefutably proven that a lack of resources, opportunities, and an increasing disproportion of wealth acts as an excellent accelerate for criminal elements afflicting human societies. This is especially true concerning the formation and existence of gangs. Such results have been well documented even before Victorian era, British slums of Old Nic, and much has not changed in modern times from the streets of Chicago, Chihuahua, to Kingston and Moscow.
Prevention methods for youth offenders can come in many forms, such as after school activities, summer jobs, community building projects, and team sports. In more serious cases involving "at-risk" youths who may have already committed offenses, come from broken homes, or have joined gangs, mental health programs such as therapy can also be introduced to the equation. With more violent or aggressive youth, who demonstrate a chronic disregard for others, some theorize that pharmaceutical aid, in tandem with rehabilitation programs can produced greater results.
My only concern, when concerning medication, is that too much can be given, or only medication will be given, while forgoing any other form of rehabilitation. There must be strong regulations and guidelines in place to prevent this sort of negligence.
Hey Walter,
ReplyDeleteYou have chosen to pursue some heavy stuff in your research. Correct me if I am wrong but your topic is Juvenile legal system with an emphasis on gangs? My friend is the leader for the Gang Awareness Coalition. She mentioned a lot of things that you did in your most current post about autonomy and acceptance by peers. She has master’s degrees in both education/psychology and an MFT license. In our local trainings she asserts that one of the biggest contributing factors to the rise in gangs is the breakdown of traditional family structure. It is said that because both parents often work outside the hour children often will seek out substitute family structure. The same premises I suppose that negative attention is better than no attention. I am excited to follow your post this semester. Do you agree with this assertion?
Good Luck
Jessica Ballard
Reading your blog brought me some clarity in my life. Finally, someone with hope and purpose. I realize that today’s youth have many added shields protecting them and have the ability to be very callous and hurtful. They had to learn it somewhere and now it’s out of control. I understand your position considering the consequences given to high risk youth. All these kids know is the negative label that has unfortunately been put on them since the first day they could walk outside and play. Just recently, Applied Principals for Service in San Bernardino were opening doors for the high risk youth in the West End of San Bernardino. Youth in low-income housing have the raw deal of it all. Reaching out to the County’s Friday Night Live and middle school club life it was possible for these kids to get out of their own home and come to the facility to be in a safe environment. I was very happy to see things being brought to the side of town that was nothing but trouble. I shouldn’t have been so confident because it can change real quickly. News of moving Applied Principals for Service to another city or at the outside city limits. There hadn’t been a program in so long on this end of town, it breaks my heart. One of the 13year old young girl said to me,” I was just getting used to being around people and now I have to go back home.” I have been researching clinical studies that high risk youth are positively affected by and documented with data. The Best Self Visualization Method with high risk youth and the author Hustle and Miller have made a real name for themselves. The idea of using your imagination and changing your path in a productive, responsible, caring and calm persona has made the data for high risk climb. The other academic journals, with articles on Cognitive Contributors to Resilience in Youth from Underserved populations. When I think of a 13 year old, I think of our next Congressman, fireman, and doctor. These Youth will be running our country soon and we need to take action and facilitate a caring and compassionate genuine demeanor and they will come by the bus loads. Our Youth needs love and understanding but a genuine person they can trust. When that relationship is built a bond is made- a break through. Let me know what your position is on programs that are effective with Youth? Cynthia Martinez
ReplyDelete