Strategies for Reducing Recidivism and Re-Victimization

Targeted Offender Population

Shaffer and Ruback (2002) believe strongly that “many criminals will continue with their malpractices even after receiving different punishments” (p. 4). This unfortunate cycle of crime affects present and future goals of the offenders. Professional workers should therefore use appropriate strategies to deal with this cycle. Many under-age individuals have been committing various acts that are against the law (Shaffer & Ruback, 2002). Such “delinquents are usually below the age of 18 and commit heinous acts that can affect the welfare of the society” (Shaffer & Ruback, 2002, p. 3). Such minors can be tried and charged depending on the nature of their offenses. This essay identifies a powerful strategy for reducing delinquents’ recidivism. The essay also outlines a powerful approach that can be used to reduce victimization amongst abused juveniles.

Reducing Recidivism amongst Juvenile Delinquents

Several strategies have been proposed to support the needs of many juveniles. The proposed strategy for reducing recidivism focuses on “tailor-made policies and programs that can address the developmental expectations of many adolescents” (Oliver & Wong, 2009, p. 331). The targeted programs should deliver the best resources to juvenile delinquents in order to promote positive behavioral changes. The delinquents should also be held accountable for their acts. This practice should “be done in such a way that the delinquents will become remorseful” (Severson, Veeh, Bruns, & Lee, 2012, p. 298). The society should also address the harms experienced by different victims.

The proposed programs should also encourage every delinquent to comply with various laws. The society should use the same programs to promote equality. This practice is critical because “system bias has been a contributing factor towards juvenile delinquency” (Oliver & Wong, 2009, p. 331). New efforts should be considered in order “to ensure all adolescents are represented equally in the juvenile justice system” (Oliver & Wong, 2009, p. 332). Adults and family members should also be engaged in these programs. This strategy will address the social and economic needs of such juveniles. The strategy will encourage them to stop committing various criminal offenses. Youths with mental disabilities should also be given appropriate health support (Davis, Lurigio, & Herman, 2013). This strategy will eventually reduce the current rate of recidivism.

Strategy for Reducing Victimization [among abused juveniles]

Many juveniles have been widely victimized in their respective communities. Re-victimization also continues to affect the lives of many delinquents. New strategies have therefore been outlined in an attempt to reduce the level of victimization. The best strategy focuses on “the best practices to investigate child abuse and strengthen child protective services” (Finkelhor & Jones, 2006, p. 694). Many orphaned or homeless children have become victims of abuse. They are also victimized by different members of the society. The proposed strategy will equip prosecutors and government agencies with appropriate skills in order to support more children. Child abusers should also “be punished in accordance with the law” (Finkelhor, 2009, p. 182). Cases of child abuse should be investigated in a professional manner.

Delinquents should also be protected from different forms of abuse or molestation. They should also be equipped with new resources and support systems in order to disengage from various criminal activities. Proper practices should be identified in order to protect more children in every community (Davis et al., 2013). Parents, communities, and police officers should collaborate in order to protect every child (Cho & Wilke, 2010). Children from different minority groups should also be protected from abuse. These efforts will ensure more juveniles are not victimized.

Reference List

Cho, H., & Wilke, D. (2010). Gender Differences in the Nature of the Intimate Partner Violence and Effects of Perpetrator Arrest on Re-victimization. Journal of Family Violence, 25(4), 393-400.

Davis, R., Lurigio, A., & Herman, S. (2013). Victims of Crime. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Finkelhor, D. (2009). The Prevention of Childhood Sexual Abuse. The Future of Children, 19(2), 169-194.

Finkelhor, D., & Jones, L. (2006). Why Have Child Maltreatment and Child Victimization Declined. Journal of Social Issues, 62(4), 685-716.

Oliver, M., & Wong, S. (2009). Therapeutic responses of psychopathic sexual offenders: Treatment attrition, therapeutic change, and long-term recidivism. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77(2), 328-336.

Severson, M., Veeh, C., Bruns, K., & Lee, J. (2012). Who goes back to prison; who does not: A multiyear view of reentry program participants. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 51(5), 295-315.

Shaffer, J., & Ruback, B. (2002). Violent Victimization as a Risk Factor for Violent Offending Among Juveniles. Juvenile Justice Bulletin, 1(1), 1-12.