Juliet Paltrow

What are the different programs and policies that can ameliorate juvenile delinquents in the State of New York.

Started July 17, 2023

Abstract or project description

When a person who is under 16 years old, but is at least 7 years old, commits an act which would be a "crime" if he or she were an adult, and is then found to be in need of supervision, treatment or confinement, the person is called a "juvenile delinquent". The act committed is called a "delinquent act". All juvenile delinquency cases are heard in Family Court. These cases may be heard in County Court, but may sometimes be transferred to the Family Court. If found guilty, the child is called a "juvenile offender", and is subject to more serious penalties than a juvenile delinquent. Becoming a juvenile delinquent can result from things like a lack of education, family issues, past trauma, and lack of affection at home. Studies have found juvenile recidivism rates to be extremely high in New York, with over 70% of youth offenders being rearrested within three years of release and 50% of those being re-incarcerated. These rates are significantly higher than the national average, and efforts need to be made to reduce them. This paper examines programs and policies intended to reduce these high recidivism amongst juveniles. If the State of New York would invest more money into different juvenile delinquency centers, and programs, then the rate of recidivism would decrease.