Leadership Paper Assignment on Restorative

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Liberty University *

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Feb 20, 2024

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1 Leadership Paper Assignment on Restorative Justice Programs for Juvenile Offenders Nicholas Joo Helms School of Government, Liberty University CJUS 300: Administration of Justice Organization Professor Ronald Staton Dec 5, 2023

2 Executive Memo Dear Sheriff, I trust this communication finds you in excellent health. I am writing to address a critical matter within our juvenile justice system—the prevalent issue of high recidivism rates among juvenile offenders and the inherent deficiencies in our current methodology. The primary objective of this proposal is to furnish you with the requisite information, enabling an enlightened decision regarding the potential integration of restorative justice programs for juvenile offenders. Issue Statement: Our prevailing approach to juvenile justice has precipitated a disconcerting cycle of criminal conduct among our youth. The one-size-fits-all paradigm currently in place neglects the diverse underlying causes of juvenile delinquency, impeding the rehabilitation and reintegration of these young individuals into society. In some instances, it may even exacerbate their behavior rather than providing the necessary assistance. Significance of the Issue: The repercussions of this problem extend beyond individual lives to impact the broader community. The existing approach not only impedes the personal development of juvenile offenders but also strains resources within our criminal justice system. It is evident that a paradigm shift towards restorative justice is imperative to disrupt the cycle of criminal behavior and encourage community involvement in addressing juvenile delinquency.

3 Leadership Paper Assignment on Restorative Justice Programs for Juvenile Offenders Introduction : I, Nicholas Joo, want to address a matter of critical importance within our criminal justice system—specifically, the challenges covering juvenile offenders. In the following essay, I will examine the problem, underscore its profound significance, and present a three-part solution, pulling insights from the invaluable research of Bergseth and Bouffard (2013), Bouffard et al. (2017), and Livingstone et al. (2013). Problem : The heart of the issue lies within the framework of our current juvenile justice system—a system that clings to ancient, one-size-fits-all methodologies, poorly addressing the multifaceted root causes of juvenile delinquency. Bergseth and Bouffard (2013) conduct a thorough examination, revealing the inherent inadequacies in our current methods. These inadequacies contribute to a concerning cycle of criminal behavior among the youth, hindering their rehabilitation and reintegration into society today. Consider the following example to illustrate this issue further: a 15-year-old from a low- income family gets accused of a non-violent crime and is subject to disciplinary measures that don't address the underlying problems. Despite its good intentions, our existing system lacks the subtlety needed to customize interventions to meet the unique requirements of each juvenile offender. In addition to rehabilitation, the task now becomes one of comprehending and correcting the initial conditions that gave rise to these behaviors. Significance : The significance of this problem exceeds the confines of juvenile detention centers; it

4 resonates throughout our communities, hindering the personal development of young offenders and placing an unnecessary burden on the resources of our criminal justice system. Bouffard et al. (2017) shed light on the enduring impact, emphasizing the urgent need for a substantial shift in our approach to juvenile justice. Consider the societal toll of this dilemma—a generation of young individuals slipping through the cracks, potentially salvageable with the right interventions. The implications extend beyond financial considerations; they touch upon the very nature of our communities, affecting families, neighborhoods, and the cycles of countless young lives. The significance lies not only in the moral imperative but in the societal imperative to evolve our systems in tandem with the complexities of the issues they seek to address. Solution: Do Nothing: The proposition to maintain the status quo may seem like a pragmatic choice for those cautious of change, relying on the familiar beats of disciplinary measures such as incarceration and probation. However, as highlighted by Bergseth and Bouffard's (2013) research, this seemingly straightforward path may overlook a disconnect. Opting to do nothing is akin to turning a blind eye to the evolving landscape of juvenile justice, where evidence suggests that traditional disciplinary measures may not be as effective as previously believed. In choosing to do nothing, decision-makers risk memorializing a system that may inadvertently worsen the very issues it aims to address. It's akin to an attorney disregarding evolving case law, holding steadfast to outdated legal strategies. The consequence is a missed opportunity to reassess, adapt, and implement strategies that are not only effective but aligned with the evolving understanding of juvenile delinquency. Solution: Incremental Approach:

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