The malfeasance of the juvenile justice system through social institutions

Abstract

I will be exploring how social institutions impact the behavior of adolescent delinquents. I am analyzing the environment and rehabilitative system inside juvenile jail that could increase or decrease the juvenile’s behavior. Some factors that can contribute to institutionalized corruption and criminal behavior are race-based and socioeconomic-based stereotypes towards adolescents from communities of color. In my analysis, I will be following the stories of two case studies. Case study #1 follows a caucasian man, whereas case study #4 follows a black man, however, both these young men are of different ages. There is a clear distinction between how the two go in and out of the system. I will highlight some key points of each juvenile’s home life where we see minor factions resulting in life-altering sentences. While questioning fundamental aspects of a working functioning society I ask, how do the home and street environments of different races influence or perpetuate juvenile behavior? I expect to open a wall to misconceptions made about the juvenile system and expose maltreatment towards troubled youth by elaborating and expanding the research done on their origins.  I collected findings such as a lack of resources to support the youths’ physical needs in juvenile centers, the lack of protection from government officials when sentencing youth in the courtrooms, and how the youths’ adolescent and personal change and development can contribute to juvenile behavior.