In this unit, we covered the various institutions which hold juveniles such as detention centers, long-term secure facilities, and residential treatment centers. Currently, the majority of juveniles are held in detention centers. Do you think we should continue this practice? Why, or why not? If your opinion is that we should move juveniles to another type of facility, identify which type of facility and why. Additionally, provide your thoughts on housing juveniles in adult prisons and jails. Are there offenses in which juveniles should be housed in an adult prison; if yes, identify those offenses.

REPLY TO MY CLASSMATE’S RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS AND EXPLAIN WHY YOU AGREE? (A MINIMUM OF 100 WORDS)

CLASSMATE’S POST

I am certain that prison placements are usually for management reasons, not punitive reasons. I strongly believe a juvenile in adult unit poses risks of harm to that inmate as well as risks of violence that could involve other inmates and staff. However, most juveniles who are tried as adults were near adult age when they committed the offense and frequently the crime was especially serious such as murder. Adult prosecutions for violent crimes often take months or years to complete so it’s entirely possible that by the time the juvenile offender reaches prison, he/she will be adult age and therefore appropriate the placement in adult general population facility.