Abstract
Since the 1990s, there has been a fear of the serious and violent juvenile offender and the alleged menace they pose to society. In this Article, we begin with some truths about the serious and violent juvenile offender to correct the widespread myths and propaganda that have led to some ill-advised policies. We then define the problem, using research to show how these youth can be identified, even before the onset of their serious offending. We then proceed beyond this fear and offer examples of multiple evidence-based programs that work to guide these youth to regain their future and become productive adults. We do not limit our suggestions to only those youth already engaged in these behaviors but also discuss the importance of early identification of youth on pathways to trouble and thus address prevention as well as rehabilitation. We end with several key messages that we hope will move the field forward as we strive to expand society’s protective systems to beneficently include these youth who are also in need of help and protection.
Repository Citation
Megan Kurlychek and Alysha Gagnon,
Reducing Recidivism In Serious And Violent Youthful Offenders: Fact, Fiction, And A Path Forward,
103 Marq. L. Rev. 877
(2020).
Available at: https://scholarship.law.marquette.edu/mulr/vol103/iss3/9