Juvenilt delinquency. Its prevention. Преступность среди несовершеннолетних

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Горшенёва И.A., Куценко Л И .

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY. ITS PREVENTION.

Преступность среди несовершеннолетних. Профилактика преступности.

Настоящее пособие предназначено для курсантов И, III курсов, для курсантов, изучающих социальную психологию, а также для занятий в группах адъюнктов.

Целью

данного

пособия

является

развитие

навыков

ознакомительного и изучающего чтения, навыков реферирования и перевода специальных аутентичных текстов, а также развития навыков коммуникации на основе профессиональной тематики. Пособие состоит из однотипно структурированных разделов (Units), основой которых является професионально-ориентированные оригинальные тексты:

Unit 1. What Is Juvenile Delinquency? Five Signs Your Teen May Be Being Abused How You Can Help Preventing Juvenile Delinquency Unit 2. Causes Of Juvenile Delinquency Unit3. A Juvenile Delinquent Unit 4. Status Offender Unit 5. Juvenile Rehabilitation. How Can I Prevent My Child From Becoming A Delinquent?

Кроме указанных текстов каждый раздел включает в себя комплекс упражнений, направленных на отработку и усвоение специального вокабуляра, а также развитие навыков устной речи. Все

задания

пособия

нацелены

на

развитие

у

обучающихся

познавательной активности и навыков самостоятельного мышления в рамках будущей профессии. Работа над пособием рассчитана на 20-25 учебных часов.

UNIT 1

WHAT IS JUVENILE DELINQUENCY? Task 1. Read the text: A. W hat Is Juvenile Delinquency? Juvenile delinquency is the broad-based term given to juveniles who commit crimes: juveniles are defined as those people who haven’t reached adulthood or the age of majority. Delinquency can be defined as the committing o f those things considered crimes by the state, although delinquent can also be abandoned. Thus juvenile delinquency can cover anything from small crime - a student who cuts school repeatedly is delinquent - to very serious crimes as felony theft or murder. When a child, anyone under the age of majority, commits a crime, most frequently they are tried and sentenced through a court system separate from that which tries adult. There are also confinement centers, in other words, prisons, specifically designed for children who commit serious crimes. These are often called “Juvenile Detention Centers”. It is often in within the court’s province in juvenile or family court to determine the degree of risk the juvenile poses to society and the degree of benefit incurred by incarceration. Juvenile court judges may have greater license especially with very young children, to find alternative means to a rehabilitating a child and preventing future delinquency. There are many schools of thought as the primary factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency. Many of these are tried to nature/nurture arguments. It is certainly the case that children who are neglected, abused or impoverished are statistically more likely to fall into delinquency patterns. Task 2. Find in the text the answers to the questions: 1. What does the term “Juvenile Delinquency” mean? 2. What do they call prisons, specifically designed for children who commit serious crimes? 3. What kinds of children are statistically more likely to fall into delinquency patterns? Task 3. Find in the text the English equivalents for: преступность среди несовершеннолетних; достигнуть совершеннолетия; постоянно «прогуливать» школу; кража или убийство; не достигнув совершеннолетия; рассматривать дела в судах отдельно от взрослых; центры содержания подростков под арестом; альтернативные средства перевоспитания; предотвращение дальнейшей преступности; тюремное заключение на короткий срок; заброшенные дети; дети, с которыми плохо обращаются Task 4. Work with a dictionary: Juvenile Delinquency;, to commit crimes; define (v); adulthood (n); majority (n); predetermine (v); minor crimes; major crimes; force(v); abandoned (a); to cut school; felony theft; murder (n); to try (v); sentence (v, n); confinement center (Juvenile Detention Centers); province (n); pose (v); incur (v); incarceration (n); rehabilitate (v); prevent (v); to abuse (v); impoverish (v). 1

Task 5. В. What Is Juvenile Delinquency? Children often test the limits and boundaries set by their parents and other authority figures. Among adolescents, rebelliousness and experimentation is common. However, a few children consistently participate in problematic behaviors that negatively affect their family, academic, social and personal functioning. These children present great concern to parents and the community at large. The prevention of delinquency requires identifying at-risk individuals and their environments before delinquent activity and behavior occur, and then removing such risk factors or strengthening resistance to the risk factors already present. The most logical starting place for prevention efforts is the family. Parents Beware: Teens not immune to domestic Violence, Relationship Abuse By Hugh C. McBride When you read the statistics and watch the news reports about how many people are being beaten, controlled or otherwise abused be their spouses, boyfriends and girlfriends, you consider yourself lucky to be in a relationship that is based upon trust, love and suspect. Regardless of how good a parent you are, or how close your family is, this doesn’t mean that your teen is immune of the effects of relationship violence. Relationship-based abuse happens to good kids, smart kids and strong kids - and though you’d rather not even think about it, the harsh reality of the matter is that it can happen to your kid, too. Like about domestic violence, teen relationship abuse affects all types of teens, regardless of how much money their parents make, what their grades are, their religion or their race. Teen relationship abuse occurs heterosexuals, gays and lesbian relationships. Five Signs Your Teen May Be Being Abused Still, there are a few common symptoms that might indicate your child is having a problem with a romantic relationship. As with other teen problems, such as substance abuse, depression or eating disorder, noticing signs of relationship abuse is not a matter of identifying exact signs, but rather of noticing out-of-the-ordinary behaviors, attitudes and appearances. 1. Unexplained physical injures. We all know that our teens fall down, bump into things and otherwise find ways of hurting themselves. But if you notice cuts, bruises, bums or other injures that your teen can’t explain - or if the explanations offered don’t sound plausible to you - don’t ignore these warning things. 2. Isolation. One of the most common ways that abuses control their victims is by limiting (or eliminating) their contact with friends and family members. If your teen is abandoned friends, withdrawn from family or abruptly quit activities (such as sports, school clubs or a jobs), this could indicate an abusive relationship. The partner may be overly possessive, or the victim may be withdrawing as a way o f hiding he effects of the abuse. 3. Changes in appearance or behavior. The teen years are a time of experimentation and change, and new styles, attitudes and preferences are to be expected. But if your teen has changed 2

significantly, quickly and without explanation, this is an invitation for you to investigate further. Your child may simply be trying to establish a unique identity. But, if instead, this identity is being imposed upon child by a boyfriend or a girlfriend, then you need to step in. 4. Mood swings. If your formerly ebullient suddenly becomes morose or angry - or if relatively minor conflicts result in disproportionate sadness - then relationship violence may be to blame. Teens who are being abused be their boyfriends or girlfriends are under considerable stress, and are likely to be anxious, nervous, scared or depressed. With not healthy outlet for these emotions, they may remain repressed until they “boil over” in response to seemingly irrelevant events. 5. Problems in school. From truancy to experiencing a dramatic drop in grades, teens who are involved in abusive relationship may have trouble maintaining their previous levels of academic achievement. Their partners may be pressuring them to skip school* may not be allowing them ample time to study or may have impaired their seJf-ssceem to point where they don’t believe they are capable - or worthy - of doing w ell How You Cast Help If you suspect that your teen is being abused be a boyfriend or a girlfriend, you need to involve. Some teens are aware that they are being abused, but either too confused, too afraid or too ashamed to get help. Others may not even realize how bad the problem is - with few or no previous relationship to compare, they might think that this is just a normal part ob being in love. Either way, if your teen is being abused, you need to intervene. Express your concerns to your teen, talk about what you have observed (and suspect) and listen to the answers you receive. If you are not satisfied with the explanations you hear - and if you are sure of how to proceed - make an appointment with an expert such as the school guidance counselor, your family physician or a domestic violence prevention organization in your area. If these people can't give you the help you need, they should definitely be able to rut you in contact with someone who can. When you decide to intervene, you experience resistance. But this isn’t a time for you to worry about being right - it’s the time to take the steps you need to ensure your child’s continued physical safety and emotional well-being. Preventing Juvenile Delinquency Preventing juvenile delinquency and properly rehabilitating young offenders is a major concern for many societies. Studies have shown that repeat adult offenders often have a record of juvenile delinquency; proper treatment and attention may be vital to preventing future crimes of a juvenile delinquent. Some experts suggest that certain social programs may help prevent crimes. Drugs and gang prevention programs, supervised after school activities, and even instilling an early love of education may help prevent children from becoming criminals.

Task 6. Debate: Juvenile delinquency. How you can help.

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UNIT 2

CAUSES OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY Task 1. Read the text and give a summary of it in Russia: Causes O f Juvenile Delinquency We expect criminal parents to tend to bring up criminal children. But, conversely, we expect honest and law abiding parents to bring up honest and law abiding children. But do they? The appalling figures of juvenile delinquency are more than disturbing, Many parents have told me of their despair in finding their children steal from mum’s purse or handbag or the family moneybox, tell lies on being detected and then do the same again. Nevertheless, firm action in the home can ensure that this behavior is eradicated and what I regard as the natural propensity of the child to take what she or he wants need never become ingrained as criminal behavior. At the annual conference of the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union o f Women Teachers at Horrogate last April, one speaker, Doncaster Headmaster John Atherfold said: ... “Girls are worse than boys. They are subject to little or no control from their parentsandgrow up in homes where assaults are the order of the day”. But what about rimes among pupils at school? The original intention o f my survey was to deal with this problem in isolation - but I found such an approach is impossible. “What goes on in schools is a reflection of what goes of a society?” I was toldby Mr. R.F. Glover, the Deputy Secretary of the Head Masters’ conference. Only a few months ago, speaking at a dinner to Scottish Association for the Study of Delinquency at Peebles, Sir David McNee, London’s Commissioner of Police, declared that a lowering. of moral standards, a decline in religion beliefs and a lack of parental and family influence were the main reasons foe the increasing crime rate. The result o f my talks with children on juvenile crime in general is: PARENTS: There was an overwhelming criticism by the children of the lack of concern and discipline shown by their parents. PUNISHMENT: A very large majority recognized the need o f an effective punishment, called for the return of corporal punishment and asked for the firmer discipline at schools. One other important point is hat they asked for more, and in particular, less expensive, recreational facilities. Every approach made at Government level seems to be that of the treatment of young offenders after they have been allowed to become criminal and have committed offences. But custodial sentences have not proved a success. The number of juveniles convicted to borstal rose from 818 in 1969 to 2.117 in 1978, and the number sent to detention centers increased from 2.228 in 1969 to 6.303 in 1978. But 75 % of the juveniles leaving borstals were convicted of further offences within the next two years. Very far from a success story. So let u go back to the beginning and see if there anything new which should be talked tat the stage where a young barn thief may be so influenced that he doesn’t become a criminal and the useless borstals and detention centers will be empty. It is an interesting point, confirming the views of the working school-children, that in an earlier study by Harriet Wilson and G.W.Herbert called “Parents and children in the Inner City” 4

they have already found that parents who use strict methods of supervision had few, if any, delinquent children, while the children from lax parents frequently had a string of convictions. What is more, and probable just as important, I am satisfied that survey on similar lines to test the association between school discipline and juvenile delinquency in all areas would show beyond doubt that this is the second important factor in the equation. As delegates have described at teacher’s conference over and over again some schools are undisciplined so real teaching is impossible. One of the most persistent types of crime which bring youngsters before the court every day is shoplifting. One legal adviser who deals with West End shoplifting by youngsters told me that in this view magistrates often impose soft sentences and it means that the seriousness of the offence is not sufficiently impressed on the children. The fact that a caution is usually given for a first offence, he believe^ is not a good thing. For here the child it has got away with it and this can only encourage him to commit a further offence. There is considerable evidence now to show that where the work of police, school and community is carried in there has been a marked effect on juvenile crime. But it remains a fact that it is in the home and in the school that criminals are made and it is here that a change of heart is needed. Evidence shows that truancy is widespread and this plays a large part of the growth of juvenile crime. Both parents and schools stuff who accept the absenteeism of their children, or are so lax that they don’t even know youngsters are not regularly attending school, are encouraging the juvenile delinquency. (by Robert Traini, “Security Gazette”) Task 2. Find in the text the sentence about the main reasons for the increasing crime rate. Task 3. Answer the questions: 1. What do children themselves say about their parents on juvenile crime in general? 2. What should be changed in schools up to the children’s opinion? 3. Why should a caution be given for a first offence committed by youngsters? Task 4. Give Russian equivalents for: t^

I.

to bring up criminal children; iaw abiding parents; firm action the home; to eradicate the criminal behavior; to be subject to no control from parents; crime among pupils iin school; London’s Commissioner of Police; what goes on in schools is a reflection of what goes on in society; a lowering of moral standards; a decline in religious beliefs; the lack of parental and family influence; the lack o f concern and discipline; the need foe an effective punishment; the return of corporal punishment; a firm discipline in schools; less expensive recreational facilities/

II.

the treatment of young offenders; custodial sentences; to be convicted to borstal; to be to detention centers; to be convicted for further offences; to use strict methods of supervision; the association between school discipline and juvenile delinquency; shoplifting b^ youngsters; to impose soft sentences; to encourage to commit a further offence; truancy; the absenteeism of children. 5

UNIT 3 Task 1, Read the text below and give the title of it, A young offender, also called a juvenile delinquent, is a minor who has committed a crime. This name is given to those who have committed both misdemeanor and felonies. The legal age of adulthood may vary based on country or areas, but it is generally between 18 and 21 years of age. Young offenders who have committed a crime are often tried differently than adults who may Lave committed the same crime. The punishment for the young offender will depend on the crime committed. For misdemeanor offences, young offenders are often given a much lighter sentence than an adult would receive, especially for a first offence. In more severe cases, he or she may be sent to a juvenile corrections facility. This is an institution which serves a rehabilitation center for youths who have been convicted of a serious crime. A juvenile delinquent is a person who commits a crime while not yet reached the legal age of adulthood. The age that divides juvenile delinquents from adult ones may vary from region to region. Typically, juvenile offenders are tried in different courts and subject to different penalties than adult criminals, but in some circumstances, serious crimes and crimes committed shortly before reaching the age of adulthood may result in the delinquent being charged as an adult. There are many theories why children commit crimes. According to legal statistics, a juvenile delinquent is more likely to develop when the child had been physically or verbally abused or neglected. Other contributing causes may be poverty and connection with local gangs. However many juvenile offenders also come from stable families with adequate income, leading some to believe that genetics may be a factor as well. Often, in misdemeanor cases, courts focus on rehabilitation rather than jail time, in recognition of the need for the offender to better legal and ethical behavior. Children who successfully complete court programs, such as therapy or community service, may have their criminal records expunged when reaching the age of adulthood. For serious crimes, such as murder, violence, or sexual assault, penalties for a juvenile delinquent can be quite severe. In criminal law, a juvenile offender is a person under a certain age who has been charged with a criminal act. Different jurisdictions have varying standards on what age a person must be in order to be tried as juvenile. Generally, a person under the age of 17 or 18 is considered as juvenile offender. For more serious offences, like murder or rape, a juvenile may be removed from the juvenile justice system and tried as an adult, depending on the circumstances. The focus of most juvenile criminal court systems is rehabilitating, rather than punishing, a juvenile offender. Usually, all o f the parties to the case work collaboratively to from a rehabilitation plan for the offender. This may mean that law enforcement officers, the prosecuting juvenile court attorney, and the juvenile corrections department work with the judge!, the defense juvenile law attorney, and the probation departments to best formulate a plan to help the juvenile offender. Juveniles often receive extra assistance, which may include counseling, drug rehabilitation, and anger management programs. A juvenile offender’s rights during a criminal case vary depending on the jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions allow juveniles to have a jury trial while juveniles are tried in front of a judge in other jurisdiction. Court proceedings are typically more relaxed in juvenile cases than in adult cases. If a juvenile offender is found guilty of a crime, he or she may be placed on probation and is often 6

required to perform community service. Alternatively, the offender may be sentenced to time in a juvenile prison, which is typically the case for more serious offences. Juvenile offenders may have their records sealed when they become adults, depending on the jurisdiction. Several factors may also influence this, such as the kind of crime committed and whether the offender has prior criminal history. For example, a juvenile convicted of a sex crime may be required to register as a sex offender even if he or she becomes an adult. In some jurisdictions, a juvenile offender’s record is automatically sealed when he or she becomes an adult. It can however, be unsealed if the juvenile commits a crime as an adult. When a juvenile offender repeatedly performs crimes, he or she may be referred to as a juvenile delinquent. Children with psychological disorders and behavior problems are particularly susceptible to juvenile delinquency. Mane governments are taking a more proactive role in preventing juveniles from becoming delinquents by funding programs that seek to keep youth from becoming involved in criminal activities. Task 2. Find answers in the text. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

What is a juvenile delinquent? Why do children commit crimes? What do courts often focus on in misdemeanor cases? What is a young offender? Are young offenders tried differently than adults for a crime? What is a juvenile offender? What is the focus of most juvenile court systems towards a juvenile offender?

Task 3. Give Russian equivalents for: a juvenile delinquent; to commit both misdemeanors and felonies; the age of adulthood; to be tried differently than adults; the punishment for the young offender; a much lighter sentence; more severe cases; a juvenile correction facility; a rehabilitation center for youth; to be charged as an adult; to be physically or verbally abused or neglected; to be tried as a juvenile (an adult); the prosecuting juvenile court attorney; the defense juvenile law attorney; counseling; drug rehabilitation; a juiy trial. Task 4. Give a written translation of the last two paragraphs.

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UNIT 4 STATUS OFFENDERS Task 1. Read the text below and find English equivalents for: обвиняемые в правонарушениях: совершенные взрослым; поступки, незаконные для юноши, а не для взрослого; нарушения законов потребления алкоголя; нарушение законов относительно комендантского часа; убегать из дома; выйти из-под контроля родителей; незаконная парковка; заниматься социальными правонарушениями; подростки STATUS OFFENDERS Status offenders are young people charged with offences that would not be crimes if committed bW an adult. Legally, people who break laws that are prohibited only to certain groups are said to have status offenders. Examples of these offences - include breaking tobacco and alcohol consumption laws, running away from home, or being beyond the control of parents. Research studies on causes of state offences have identified personal, family and school problems as contributing factors. Noncriminal violations of the law by adults such as speeding or illegal parking are also sometimes called status or regulatory offences. Juvenile court systems handle status offences, which are treated differently than criminal offences. In 1961, the California legislature was the first to remove noncriminal conduct of youth from its delinquency definition. Under most state codes, juvenile status offenders break laws that cover how children or adolescents should behave. Status offence legislation does not cover those who commit criminal offences such as theft or robbery. Gun possession of a minor is considered as a status offence. Each state has different penalties for status offenders. Some communities and states impose fines or suspend young drivers’ licenses. Others require parents to seek counseling or attend parenting classes. Numerous causes have been found for status offenders. These include family problems such as domestic violence or abuse, school problems including academic failure and non-attendance, and personal problems including drug use and chronic health problems. Task 2. Translate into Russian: status offenders; to be charged with offences; committed b tl an adult; to break laws; to be prohibited; misbehavior; alcohol consumption laws; not attending school; to run away from home; being beyond the control of parents; causes of status offences; to handle status offences; to treat differently than criminal offences; adolescents; theft, robbery; gun possession; to be incarcerated in a juvenile justice facility; penalties fofr status offenders; to suspend young drivers’ licenses; domestic violence or abuse. Task 3. Complete the sentences: 1. Status offenders are young people charged with offences ... 2. Examples of state offenders are not attending school, running away from home... 8

3. Status offences are treated differently than... 4. Causes for status offences include family problems such as domestic violence or abuse, school problems including.., 5. Gun possession by a minor is considered... 6. Juvenile court system handles ... 7. Each state has different penalties for...

UNITS

JUVENILE REHABILITATION Task 1, Read the text below and give a summary of it in Russian: Juvenile Rehabilitation Rehabilitation is a process that attempts to restore a troubles person to one who is an asset to society, In the case of juvenile rehabilitation, such a system is designed specifically for minors who have committed crimes or who are displaying behaviors that suggest troubled futures. Juvenile rehabilitation can include boot-camps, after-school programs, and incarceration in detention facilities. Reasons for forcing children into these programs include truancy, involvement with drugs, and assault. In many cases juvenile rehabilitation is not designed to punish. Although containing children in facilities may seem like punishment. It should be remembered that both mental and substance rehabilitation often involve people staying in facilities. Juvenile rehabilitation methods can greatly vary. Many method are devised more to deter future delinquency and provide strong guidance than to serve as outright punishment. Non-violent youth may, for example, be housed in group homes. Those youth who have committed serious or violent crimes may be sent to youth prisons. There are also boot camps which use military-style training techniques to help rehabilitate youth. Those children who are more menacing than criminal may be enrolled in after-school programs that are held in detention facilities. The milder forms of rehabilitation, such as group homes after-school programs, generally are not too crowded. They also tend to have a higher staff-to-child ratio than other methods. Children are often given more attention they are likely to be a wider range o f programs in place. Juvenile rehabilitation usually involves more than locking children up and disciplining them. The children are often involved in skill-building programs. They may be given an opportunity to earn education diplomas. Also, they often receive personalized and intensive counseling. It is believed that the size and type of juvenile rehabilitation has an impact or recidivism. Minors who have gone through boot-camp programs, for example, are believed to be less likely to commit crimes in the future. It is also believed that putting minors who commit lower-scale offences, such as truancy, with those who have committed harsh crimes, such as rape, can have detrimental effects, in mane cases, great efforts are made to separate various classes of offenders.

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Task 2. Find in the text the answers to the questions: 1. 2. 3.

What is j uveniie rehabilitation? What does juvenile rehabilitation include? What are methods of rehabilitation for non-violent youth andfor those youth who have committed serious or violent crimes? 4. Why are efforts made to separate various classes of offenders? 5. What programs are believed to be better for minors not to commitcrimes in the future? Task 3. Give Russian equivalents for: juvenile rehabilitation; to restore a troubles person; to display behaviors that suggest futures; boot-camps; after-school programs; incarceration in detention facilities; involvement with drugs; assault; to punish; to deter future delinquency; to be housed homes; the milder forms of rehabilitation; skill-building programs; harsh crimes; detrimental effects.

troubled truancy; in group to have

Task 4, Translate with the help of a dictionary: Preventive Programs There is a growing realization that society is playing too much for the care of criminals and too little for the prevention of crime. A complete outline of a preventive program would include reference to all movements for the improvement of conditions affecting the family and child life. For example, a basic income within the attainment o f every family adequate to insure minimum standards of living and the solution of the problem of unemployment would be important factor of such a program . An enlightened public opinion is one of the most important requisites in any successful program for the prevention of juvenile delinquency. Task 5. Speak on: Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between a Juvenile Delinquent and a Juvenile Offender? The legal definition of a Juvenile Delinquent is a person between the age of 7 and 16 who commits an act which would be a crime if that person were an adult. They are found to be in need of supervision, treatment or confinement by a hearing in family court. A Juvenile Offender is a person of age of 13,14 or 15 who commits more serious or violent acts, and may be prosecuted as an adult. These cases are heard in Supreme Court but may sometimes be transferred to Family Court. Juvenile Offenders are subject to more serious penalties than Juvenile Delinquents. If I hit my child, can I be arrested for child abuse?

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Generally speaking, the answer to this question is no. Corporal punishment, while discouraged, is acceptable within the boundaries of the law, Discipline'by a parent should never be imposed during an angry outburst since it can easily get out of control. Causing injury to a juvenile could result in a child abuse charge being rendered. If your child commits an act of violence on property or persons within the home, the beat course of action would be to call emergency services and request assistance from Law Enforcement to contain the situation. What can happen to a juvenile delinquent? Disposition of a juvenile be the court is based on the best interests of the juvenile while at the same time protecting the community. A juvenile can be conditionally released back to the parents. This release may impose certain restrictions on the juvenile and it will be the parents' responsibility to ensure they are adhered to. For instance, if the juvenile has been truant, conditional release may include mandatory school attendance. This is similar to being on probation. The difference being on probation has a set time and a Probation Officer assigned by the court to monitor the juvenile, if a juvenile violates the terms of his probation, he could be placed into custody at a juvenile detention facility. In some cases the court may determine that the juvenile should be removed from his home environment into the custody of the Department o f Children’s Services. A Case Worker is than assigned to the juvenile to determine the best course of action. The juvenile may be placed in a group home or into foster care for a facility. In any case, counseling, community service or restitution may aiso be included as a part of a juvenile's treatment.

What is a Secure Detention Facility? A secure Detention Facility has physically restricting construction, hardware and procedures. Juveniles in a Secure Detention Facility are supervised be staff and are not allowed to leave the premises without escort. These facilities are mandated to maintain a staff to resident ratio and provide education, recreational activity, and health services. Alleged Juvenile Delinquents over the age of 10 and Juvenile Offenders can be housed in secure detention. Do Juveniles in detention go to school? Yes. By iaw, juveniles in detention must attend school five and one-half hours each weekday. The Board of Education Alternative Schools Division operates the schools in detention. Juveniles are tested and assigned to classes based on their functional reading level. Where possible, most instruction is individualized. The Board of Education also provides special education services for students for special needs. Are juveniles io detention allowed to receive visitors? Yes. Visiting is encouraged and occurs during a pre-set time frame. Visitors must be approved in order to be admitted to the facility. In general, parents, legal guardians, siblings over the age of 18 and grandparents are granted visitation rights. No visitors under the age of 18 will be admitted unless special authorization is arranged with the resident’s case manager prior to arrival at the facility. Case managers are available to meet with parents during visiting hours. 11

How can I prevent my child from becoming a delinquent? The best way to prevent delinquency is by building strong family relationship. As a parent it is important for you to spend time with your child consistently, at least once a week. Talk to them about what is going on in their lives and be open to really listening to them. Ask specific questions about your child’s activities. “Where are you going, with whom, and how/when will they return home?” Get to know your child’s friends and their families. Offer to help them with academically and socially. Allow your child to have a say in your decisions, as long as it is reasonable. Be vigilant at all times of your child’s activities and social contacts. Enroll your child in recreational activities or athletics programs. In extreme cases* seek out the guidance of a counselor or other professional. What are some of the warning signs of delinquency? Problematic behaviors in children, if not addressed, could lead to delinquent behavior. Conflict with authority figures such as teachers, parents or older siblings indicate a growing disregard for rules. Stubborn, defiant behavior, disobedience, skipping classes or not attending school at ail, panning away from home to avoid obeying rules are examples of conflict with authority figures and parents should look for the underlying causes of this behavior. Other warning signs include covert acts, such as lying, shoplifting, and property damage (such as, vandalism, graffiti). Over acts, such as bullying others, physical fighting, gang activities, or violence are signs your child may already be engaging in delinquent activities. In short, any extreme changes in your child’s behavior could be a warning sign that you need to take action quickly and consistently to ward off trouble.

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