Learning Objectives

As a result of reading this chapter, you will be able to

  • Describe the early treatment of juveniles and history of our juvenile justice system, which includes houses of refuge, reformatories, and the first juvenile court, created in Illinois
  • Explain the unique philosophy, principles, and goals underlying the treatment of youthful offenders by the juvenile court system
  • Review the process and flow of cases through the juvenile justice system
  • Discuss whether or not there exists a school-to-prison pipeline and, if so, reasons for and possible solutions to it
  • Describe the types of secure and nonsecure custodial options that are available to juvenile court judges
  • Elaborate on the problem of—and possible solutions to—youth gangs, including the reasons for, and approaches to, providing formal aftercare and reentry services for juveniles
  • Delineate due process and other major rights of juveniles as set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court