The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

Perceived Role of the Court and Views of the System
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Rehabilitation
Although almost all decision makers in Scott County believe that deterrence,
maintenance of social order, and protection of society are very to somewhat important in
interacting with youth, rehabilitation appears to be the most important goal.
Punishment of youth is seen as less important (Table 2,3). Despite the fact that the
rehabilitation of youth appears to be the guiding philosophy, decision makers are split on
the question of leniency by the court. About half believe that the court is too lenient with
juveniles. In fact, the majority of personnel feel that delinquents should be dealt with
strictly by the system (57 percent agree) and held accountable for their actions (100
percent strongly agree/agree). There is also a strong belief in early intervention (70
percent strongly agree/agree). Although the staff is split on the issue of juveniles doing
better with minimal intervention, all agree that diversion from the system can be an
effective method of intervention. Thus, rehabilitation appears to be attempted through
intervention and accountability.
Although only a few of the decision makers actually stated in the interview that
the main goal of the juvenile justice system is rehabilitation, it was clear from their
responses that rehabilitation was the primary emphasis. The emphasis placed on
rehabilitation is evident in the decision makers’ desire to counsel, oversee probation, and
protect the community. Personnel indicated that it was especially important to keep
probationers