What do we do with those kids? A critical review of current responses to juvenile delinquency and an alternative

Abstract

The public narrative of juvenile offenders has oscillated between images of the misguided and the superpredator. Consequently, public policy discussions have followed a similar path — swinging between offering treatment and implementing punishment. This paper discusses the impact of neoliberalism, high profile events, and recent legislative responses to posit that the discussion changes dyad of punishment and rehabilitation to a method to work with youth. Restorative justice used in Australia provides a starting point in discussing the types of programs necessary to change the conversation and improve the lives of juveniles in America. Policy implications are discussed.