These lively and stimulating ideas for use in and out of class reinforce active learning. The activities apply to individual or group projects.

12-1:  Discuss the history and development of juvenile corrections.

1. Documentation:  In groups of 3-5, outline the history and evolution of juvenile corrections, including where it stands in the U.S. today.
2. Writing:  In 500-800 words, discuss the concept of parens patriae. Do you believe there is a similar relationship between the state and youth today? If so, how?

12-2:  Explain the legal precepts of the juvenile justice system and juveniles legal rights.

1. Documentation:  In groups of 3-5, trace the evolution of juvenile rights in the justice system as established through legal precepts. Note where they overlap and differ from the rights of adult offenders.
2. Writing:  Should juvenile offenders and adult offenders be treated differently in the justice system? Explain your answer and include examples of why they should or should not be treated differently. Discuss in 800-1000 words.

12-3:  Describe how juveniles are screened and classified as offenders.

1. Practicum:  Imagine you are on a team of correctional administrators designing screening, classification, and treatment for youth offenders. In groups of 4-6, outline 5-7 treatment programs including the goals, designs, and logistics of each. Present to the class.
2. Writing:  Why is treatment for juvenile offenders critical and how can treatment programs in juvenile facilities be improved? Discuss in 800-1000 words and write as if sending an Op-Ed to your local newspaper.

12-4:  Evaluate the relationship between prior abuse and current offending patterns of juveniles.

1. Practicum:  Preventing, detecting, and stopping child abuse is critical. In groups of 4-6, devise a plan to enhance collaboration and effective communication between correctional administrators and child welfare services. Outline what this plan would like look with 5-7 action points. Present to the class.
2. Writing:  Research shows a relationship between child abuse, neglect, delinquency, adult criminality, and future violent criminal behavior. In 800-1000 words, reflect on the cycle of abusive and offending behavior and how the corrections system can assist in breaking this cycle.

12-5:  Summarize the unique characteristics and challenges of female juvenile offenders.

1. Role-playing:  In groups of 3-5, enact scenarios in which staff can appropriately interact with and support female juveniles in custody. Include examples of treatment programs and courses and daily interactions. How might such interactions differ from treatment of male juveniles in custody?
2. Writing:  How do you feel the particular issues facing female offenders reflects issues that impact women in larger society? Consider historical marginalization and continuing inequalities in society. Discuss in 800-1000 words.

12-6:  Describe the unique characteristics and challenges of having juvenile gang members in custody.

1. Documentation:  In groups of 4-6, outline factors that contribute to youths’ gang involvement, ways the correctional system can intervene in these factors, and ways staff can work with gang-involved youth in custody. Present to the class.
2. Writing:  Community disenfranchisement, dysfunctional families, and youth offending appear to be relating. Discuss potential ways to combat this relationship prior to youth involvement with the justice system, and how the correctional system can aim to divert youth in custody from future offending if they return to their same neighborhoods and families. Reflect in 1000-1200 words.

12-7:  Compare and contrast detention versus incarceration for juveniles and incarceration of juveniles in adult facilities.

1. Practicum:  In groups of 3-5, outline 7-10 factors you would consider if you were a judge when deciding if a youth should be sentenced to detention, incarceration, or waived to an adult court.
2. Writing:  There is currently national discussion around avenues for criminal justice reform. What might reform look like in the juvenile justice system and particularly regarding the use of detention, incarceration, and waivers? Discuss in 800-1000 words.

12-8:  Discuss the various types of facilities and institutions used to house juvenile offenders.

1. Practicum:  Imagine you are on a team of administrators designing cultural sensitivity training to combat racial profiling that contributes to disparate minority confinement. Create 7-10 action points describing what this training would entail and how it could apply to law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, and correctional staff. Discuss with the class.
2. Writing:  Discuss the criminogenic nature of juvenile detention centers and ways criminal subculture can be diverted and opportunities for rehabilitation in custody can increase.