Running head: DISCUSSION BOARD

Juvenile Justice Liberty University Topics and Trends in Criminal Justice (CJUS 550) February 21, 2013

DISCUSSION BOARD Juvenile Justice

In the juvenile justice system there are many challenges relating to the various categories of children. Delinquent children disrupt criminal law. Undisciplined children go beyond parental control. Dependent children are not in the care of an adult. Neglected children do not receive the appropriate care from their parents. Abused children are physically mistreated by their caretakers. Status offenders are children who do not obey laws aimed specifically towards them. With the growing population of diverse juveniles, the law has pursued to adjust to privileges, institutions, and behavior management options (Schmallegar, 2011). Schmallegar (2011) describes the juvenile justice system as, the aggregate of the government agencies that function to investigate, supervise, adjudicate, care for, or confine youthful offenders and other children subject to the jurisdiction of the juvenile court (p. 543). One of the most common perceptions that are increasing today as a part of the juvenile criminal behavior in the juvenile justice system is the challenge of children prematurely assuming adult roles. Today, more and more children are often left to care for themselves at such a young age, which forces them into adultification. With no parental involvement and guidance, children are becoming more a part of the juvenile justice system by acting out through crimes. Krinsky (2010) discussed that eventually, many youths become a part of the juvenile justice system and then adult justice systems. Several will become federal offenders where they will be engrossed into mandated penalties and prohibit or allow little consideration or flexibility of the desires of the individual (Krinsky, 2010). Personally, it is the fault of the parents as to why some of these children are getting into trouble with the law. With no supervision children tend to do wrong things. Parents should step up and take time to be active in the lives of their children.

DISCUSSION BOARD Throughout the bible, children are considered important. God loves all children and reminds us to love them as well. Exodus 22:22-23 (NIV) states, Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. Christians should foster and love all children of God as God loves us, even when whose parents are not involved. As a positive influence in a childs life, it will help the child make better choices in life and hopefully lead them in the right direction to keep them out of the juvenile justice system.

DISCUSSION BOARD

References Krinsky, M. (2010). Disrupting the pathway from foster care to the justice system: A former prosecutors perspective on reform. Family Court Journal, 48(2), 322-337. Schmallegar, F. (2011). Criminal justice today: An introductory text for the 21st century (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.