Juvenile vs. Adult Offender Treatment Approaches

Theorists such as Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson have documented the psychological skills and psychosocial needs of juveniles as being different from those of adults. Studies in developmental and child psychology reveal that there are significant differences between children and adults in terms of treatment processes and that children cannot, and should not, be treated as “mini-adults.” Juveniles of different age groups have differing supervision needs as well. Even children of the same age may have significantly different needs. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the needs of juvenile offenders in forensic treatment settings are unique from those of their adult counterparts.

Restrictions in treatment environments often impact the overall treatment process for juvenile offenders. Juvenile courts may mandate treatment, and parents may refuse to be part of the change process. In addition, drug abuse, sexuality, peer relationships, gangs, and violence all can complicate treatment efforts when treating juvenile offenders. Forensic treatment providers must be acutely aware of juvenile (minor’s) rights in their locales as well as the laws surrounding juvenile offender treatment.

Think about the unique characteristics of juvenile offenders and reflect on considerations related to the treatment of juvenile offenders.

Select at least two similarities and two differences between juvenile and adult offender treatment approaches and programs.

Provide a comparison (similarities and differences) between juvenile and adult offender treatment approaches and programs. Explain at least two similarities and two differences related to treatment approaches and treatment programs. Explain at least one conclusion you drew or insight you gained because of your comparison.
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Dear Student,
Hi and thank you for using Brainmass. The solution below should get you started. In this particular task, you are asking for help in discussing the differences between juvenile and adult offender treatment program. I suggest making it simple using this outline:

1. Overview – 100 words
2. Considerations in treatment – 100 words
3. Similarities & Differences – 100 words
4. Conclusion – 100 words
   This outline should yield 400 words which should cover what you need. Just let me know via the feedback section if you need further clarification. All the best with your studies.

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AE 105878/Xenia Jones

Juvenile vs Offender Treatment

A question posed by Time magazine’s J. Reaves (2001) on juvenile justice goes like this, “When a child kills, does he instantly become an adult? Or does he maintain some trappings of childhood, despite the gravity of his actions?” Reaves (2001) carries on to discuss the academic and wider social notion about juvenile justice – because they have not yet reached a particular life stage, they think differently and are far more vulnerable as well as less responsible (legally) in comparison to adults. In her report (Reaves, 2001) she quotes then Florida Gov. Jeb Bush saying, “There is a different standard for children…There should be some sensitivity that a 14-year-old is not a little adult.” Thus, society and the academia as well as …