The juvenile justice system in the United States operates ostensibly with the overarching goals that include holding the young people accountable for criminal offending, reducing crime and enhancing public safety. Contrary, the actual practices and policies at both state and federal juvenile justice systems do not reflect these goals Krinsky et al., 2014) . The juvenile justice system has always worked against these goals. Civil advocates, initiatives, and both public and private organizations have been rooting for additional reform to make the juvenile justice system more accountable, focused on reducing crime and improving public safety. Imperatively, by offering reasons, this paper argues that additional reform is necessary in helping the system attain these goals.
Reforms are necessary in the juvenile justice system because of the need to help it attain its goals. For instance, many interpret “holding the youth accountable to their actions” as a formal court process aimed at harsh repercussions or incarceration even where an individual commits a minor offense. Further, studies have proved over time and again that this approach is not only ineffective but also disastrous because it makes the youth hardened against the system. In addition, it negates the need to rehabilitate and correct their behavior (Models for Change, 2014). The juvenile justice system requires additional reforms to make the programs and practices effective in teaching youth about the consequences of their wrongdoing in a more holistic manner, or provide opportunities for them to restore the damage they cause.
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Research initiatives demonstrate that effective healthy youth development programs can help juvenile offenders change their perspectives on offending and allow them to access tools to learn from their mistakes and make better decisions in the long-term (Models for Change, 2014). Contrary, the current system focuses on increased oversight and placement of young offenders in large prison-like facilities that only allow a modest positive impact in efforts to address recidivism in society (Krinsky et al., 2014) . In fact, the current approach of treating juvenile offenders as adults affects negatively future rehabilitative efforts and their cognitive development.
Reforms in the juvenile justice system should focus on offering therapeutic programs that have positive effects even in a situation where an individual has committed serious offense. According to Models for Change Initiative, over 2 million young people get involved in the juvenile justice system annually. However, close to 70% of these young people have at least one diagnosed mental health need while about 25% have serious emotional problems (Models for Change, 2019). Therefore, a juvenile justice system that fails to take cognizant of these statistics cannot deliver its overarching mandate in all areas. A majority of these young people can have effective and safe treatment in community settings as opposed to being detained in correctional facilities that may even worsen their conduct upon release.
Again, necessary reforms are essential in the system to increase juvenile access to legal defense when facing charges in the courts. Young people suspected of violating the law have a right to legal counsel as part of the doctrine of due process as enshrined in the U.S Constitution. Many of the young offenders are compelled to waive their constitutional right to legal services by taking plea offers even without knowing their actions (Krinsky et al., 2017) . Therefore, they need juvenile defense attorneys that will shield them against unfair process and as a crucial countercheck on the excesses of the system that may lead to negative outcomes for youth.
Moreover, the juvenile justice defenders and prosecutors need to be aware of the adolescent development; especially cognitive development, so that they can prosecute any case in the most fair manner and ensure that youth offenders are not denied their fundamental rights to justice Krinsky et al., 2014) . Imperatively, necessary reforms should focus on the concept of dual status where child welfare and juvenile justice systems are integrated because the offender is still a child and require their constitutional welfare needs despite his or her offending.
References
Krinsky, M. A., Mistrett, M., & Racine, K. (2017). Commentary: Our Work to Reform the Juvenile Justice System Is Not Yet Complete. Retrieved from http://www.justicepolicy.org/news/11638
Models for Change (2019). Reform Areas. Retrieved from http://www.modelsforchange.net/index.html
Models for Change (2014). Because Kids are Different: Five Opportunities for Reforming the Juvenile Justice System. Retrieved from https://www.cmcainternational.org/docs/Because_Kids_are_Different_Five_Opportunities_for_Reforming_the_Juvenile_Justice_System.pdf
