ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Annotated Bibliography

Annotated Bibliography

Annie, E. (2010) No Place for Kids: The Case for Reducing Juvenile Incarceration. Issue Brief, Casey Foundation.

The evidence presented in "No Place for Kids" makes clear that heavy reliance on juvenile incarceration is a counterproductive public policy for combating youth crime. Juvenile Delinquency refers to crimes carried out by young people or minors. A criminal is one that recurs and repeatedly commit crimes. Most legal systems consider specific procedures for dealing with this problem, such as juvenile detention centers. There are many different theories about the causes of crime, most if not all of which can be applied to the causes of juvenile crime. Juvenile crime often receive great attention from the media and politicians. This is because the level and types of juvenile crime can be used by analysts and the media as an indicator of the general state of morality and public order in a country, and consequently may be a source of alarm and moral panic.It is time to act on this information by abandoning the long-standing incarceration model and embracing a more constructive, humane, and cost-effective approach to youth corrections. This paper offers the following recommendations: (1) Limit Eligibility for Correctional Placements; (2) Invest in Promising Non-Residential Alternatives; (3) Change the Financial Incentives for Incarcerating Youth; (4) Adopt Best Practice Reforms for Managing Youthful Offenders; (5) Replace Large Institutions With Small, Treatment-Oriented Facilities for the Dangerous Few; and (6) Use Data to Hold Youth Corrections Systems Accountable.

Benekos, J. & Merlo, V. (2011) Youth, Race, And Serious Crime: Examining Trends And Critiquing Policy, International Journal of Police Science & Management; Vol. 13.

In this study, the authors examine trends in juvenile violent offending over a 20-year period and focus specifically on the race of the offender. Although aggregate data indicate the disproportionate representation of Black youth in the juvenile justice system, it is difficult to determine the role that race plays in specific violent offences. By focusing on murder, aggravated assault and robbery, the authors contend that a more complete picture of youthful offending and system responses emerges. The trend data clearly demonstrate continuing disproportionate handling of Black juvenile offenders. Some policy implications are reviewed and future directions are explored.

Hughes, K. (2012) A Second's Chance: Gang Violence Task Force Prevention Program, American Surgeon, Vol. 78 Issue 1.

We describe a gang violence intervention and define targets for prevention. At-risk youths were identified through courts, public schools, and law enforcement regarding gang-related activities. They participated in "A Second's Chance," a true-to-life mock emergency department resuscitation and death of a gang member provided over an 18-month period. A questionnaire was completed by each participant. Forty-nine youths identified as at risk for gang involvement participated (37 male and 12 female, P < 0.001). Average age was 14.5 years (range, 10 to 19 years); 32 were black, 9 Hispanic, 6 white, and 2 other (P < 0.05). Seventeen (35%) had prior arrests (P = 0.059), 13 (77%) of whom had multiple arrests (P < 0.05). Forty-one (84%) reported a family member jailed (P < ...