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The Missouri Model Of Juvenile Justice

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Historically, courts have punished and confined youth of all ages and genders in jails and penitentiaries. With few options available, youths were indiscriminately confined with hardened adult criminals in large, overcrowded, and lifeless penal institutions. Work by pioneering penal reformers eventually led to change. The Missouri Model of juvenile justice was born after a 1969 federal report condemned "quasi-penal-military" atmospheres found in juvenile jails (Mendel 2010). Institutions that follow the Missouri Model focus on restorative justice, access to group treatment, individual therapy, and a humane environment. Juvenile offenders have basic necessities such as food and shelter, but also have access to education, recreation, health care, and counseling, all provided in a safe atmosphere. The Missouri Model of juvenile justice was initially intended to be a pilot program in Missouri, but has now spread its influence and success to California, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Washington D.C (Lombardi 2011).
Restorative Justice
Restorative justice is a style of discipline found within the criminal justice system that focuses on the rehabilitation of juvenile and adult offenders through reconciliation with victims and society at large (Richards 2009). Practices and programs that reflect restorative purposes will respond to crime by identifying harm and pain caused, taking steps to mitigate damage, and finally repairing the harm caused. Restorative justice encompasses all

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