NCJ Number
111038
Journal
Guidance and Counselling Volume: 1 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1986) Pages: 5-13
Date Published
1986
Length
9 pages
Annotation
After outlining the philosophy of the Young Offenders Act and provisions that illustrate its fundamental principles, this article discusses educators' roles in implementing the act in the areas of preventive education, prearrest through adjudication, and intervention following adjudication.
Abstract
Four principles are paramount in the Young Offender's Act: public protection from the harmful behaviors of youth, juveniles' accountability for their behavior, juveniles' right to the least interference with their freedom consistent with public protection, and recognition of the special needs of youth. Educators are in a strategic position to impact knowledge and skills that can prevent delinquent behaviors. Educators are also initially involved in the handling of delinquent acts committed on school grounds. In this context, educators must be careful not to violate the rules of evidence and thus jeopardize the effective processing of the case in the juvenile justice system. Educators may also be involved in diversion programs for juveniles, the identification of learning disabilities in juvenile offenders, and input for assessments and predisposition reports. Educators may have a role during the sentencing phase if the school is involved as a victim of the offense, may have an education role under a probation condition, and can help juveniles become educationally reintegrated during or following a custodial order.