NCJ Number
163282
Journal
Juvenile Justice Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall/Winter 1993) Pages: 2-8
Date Published
1993
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This interview with Attorney General Janet Reno focuses on her agenda to prevent juvenile delinquency and improve policies toward juveniles who have committed offenses.
Abstract
A national agenda for children should not wait for the crisis of delinquency or crime to occur. Efforts should focus on facilitating the development of responsible behavior and attitudes among our children. First, we need to develop family preservation programs that offer support to families before they are in a crisis situation. Efforts should target teen pregnancy and the teaching of parenting skills in the schools. Second, proper preventive medical care should be available for all children; every child should have current immunizations, and every pregnant woman should have access to proper preventive medical and prenatal care. Third, safe, constructive child care should be provided for all children on a comprehensive basis, not just for those whose parents can afford a child care center or live where one is readily available. Fourth, conflict-resolution programs in the public schools should be established to teach children how to resolve conflicts peacefully. Fifth, teachers' time must be freed so they can teach. Full-service schools should be developed in areas where there are a significant number of children at risk; this includes having social service providers on campus to address the social needs of the children. Also, curricula should make school relevant and interesting for the children. Sixth, truancy prevention programs should be developed in every elementary school, so that at the first sign of truancy, police, social service agencies, and the school cooperate to identify the cause and do something about it before it is too late. Further, employers should do everything they can to put the family first in the workplace, so that parents have sufficient time to care for and spend quality time with their children. Regarding juvenile justice policies, intervention should occur as soon as possible once a child has committed a delinquent act. It is also imperative that we develop advocates for children who are entering the juvenile justice system. The role of the Federal Government is to develop a coordinated effort among the various agencies that impact children and families. Currently, the Justice Department is attempting to develop such a comprehensive effort, along with the Departments of Commerce, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Labor.