http://www.cbsnews.com/news/theyre-not-adults-ny-seeks-new-approach-to-juvenile-justice/
This article is about two boys who grew up in rough neighborhoods and joined gangs at young ages. They were sent to detention centers over and over until their probation officers realized they were young and needed guidance. They made the boys join a mentoring program that was part of their city's Young Men's Initiative. They were then hired as peer mentors at a nonprofit.
I think this is good because they needed someone to lead them into the right direction. Just sending them to jail wouldn't change their behavior if they didn't see what positive outcomes look like. It is good they have the chance to mentor other youth because those youth need guidance too. As a youth you are looking to feel a sense of belonging and get a better understanding of the world. If you are treated like an adult and put into jail without being shown how to be a respectful and responsible adult, you will continue to get into trouble.
This makes me think that those working in the criminal justice/juvenile justice systems also need to have a social work background. It's great that these boys POs finally realized that the justice system was not the best place for them. I also think it's great that these gentlemen are now able to be a positive figure in others' lives-I think it's important for previous offenders who have turned their life around to be a positive influence for current offenders because they are better able to relate to them and help them through their struggles.
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