Why is this important?
- Current systems of juvenile justice do not provide adequate rehabilitation services for youth who need them
- The Convention on the Rights of the Child, which has been adopted by most countries in the world, outlines specific rights for children. The United States does not adhere to these guidelines and is behind in child rights as viewed by most of the world. The violations are:
- " The State has an obligation to ensure that child victims of armed conflicts, torture, maltreatment or exploitation receive appropriate treatment for their recovery and social reintegration.
2) Sexual Exploitation (38)
- "The State shall protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse"
3) Torture and deprivation of liberty (39)
- "No child shall be subjected to torture, cruel treatment or punishment, unlawful arrest or deprivation of liberty. Both capital punishment and life imprisonment without the possibility for release are prohibited for offenses committed by persons below age 18"
4) Administration of juvenile justice (article 40)
- "Takes the child’s age into account and aims at his or her defense. Judicial proceedings and institutional placements shall be avoided wherever possible."
- If the system continues to work the way it does, we will face a larger issue. These mentally ill youth will continue to reoffend. Studies show that stress can progress mental illness. Due to the current punitive system being extremely stressful, it will worsen the conditions of these individuals. They will remain in the system and continue to be confined as adults, which is very costly.