Compare the risk of exposure to violence for a juvenile within the prison setting versus being released to community supervision.

Sample Solution

Preparing for Your Assignment: Juvenile Offenders Tried as Adults

Here's a breakdown of the key points to consider for your assignment on juvenile offenders tried as adults, focusing on risk factors and the role of forensic psychologists:

Risk Factors:

• Juvenile:
  • Increased Violence: Juveniles in adult prisons are significantly more likely to be victims of violence, both sexual assault and physical abuse, compared to those in juvenile facilities [Juvenile Law Center, https://jlc.org/].
  • Psychological Harm: The harsh environment of adult prisons can exacerbate mental health issues and lead to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation [Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/about].
  • Limited Rehabilitation: Adult facilities often lack programs specifically designed for rehabilitation and development, crucial for juveniles' potential for positive change.
• Institution:
  • Security Concerns: Housing juveniles with adults creates management challenges due to the power imbalance and potential for exploitation.
  • Disruption of Adult System: Integrating juveniles can disrupt established routines and programs within adult prisons.
• Community:
  • Public Safety Concerns: Some argue trying violent juveniles as adults protects communities. However, research suggests rehabilitation programs in juvenile facilities can be equally effective in reducing recidivism [National Conference of State Legislatures, https://www.ncsl.org/civil-and-criminal-justice/juvenile-justice-report-series].
  • Reintegration Challenges: Juveniles released from adult prisons may face more difficulty reintegrating into the community due to the stigma and lack of support services.

Full Answer Section

Risk Factors for Adult Sentencing:

• Seriousness of the Offense: Crimes like violent felonies or those with significant public impact are more likely to lead to adult sentencing.
• Prior Delinquency: A history of serious juvenile offenses can increase the likelihood of adult sentencing.
• Age of the Offender: Generally, older juveniles (closer to adulthood) are at higher risk of being tried as adults.
• Maturational Level: If a juvenile demonstrates a low level of maturity or understanding of the consequences of their actions, they might be considered unfit for adult sentencing.

Role of the Forensic Psychologist:

• Evaluation: Forensic psychologists assess the juvenile's mental state, cognitive abilities, maturity level, and risk of future offending. This information is crucial for judges in deciding whether adult sentencing is appropriate.
• Treatment Recommendations: Forensic psychologists can recommend appropriate treatment plans for the juvenile, whether in juvenile or adult facilities.
• Advocacy: They may advocate for the juvenile's best interests, considering their developmental needs and potential for rehabilitation.

Additional Considerations:

• Use the APA Course Paper Template (APA 7) provided in your Learning Resources.
• Include an in-depth comparison of the violence risk in adult prisons versus community supervision for juveniles.
• Support your arguments with research and data from credible sources.

By addressing these points, you can develop a comprehensive and informative assignment on the complexities of trying and sentencing juvenile offenders as adults.