Leadership Paper Assignment on Restorative

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1 Leadership Paper Assignment on Restorative Justice Programs for Juvenile Offenders Nicholas Joo Helms School of Government, Liberty University CJUS 300: Administration of Justice Organization Professor Ronald Staton Dec 5, 2023
2 Executive Memo Dear Sheriff, I trust this communication finds you in excellent health. I am writing to address a critical matter within our juvenile justice system—the prevalent issue of high recidivism rates among juvenile offenders and the inherent deficiencies in our current methodology. The primary objective of this proposal is to furnish you with the requisite information, enabling an enlightened decision regarding the potential integration of restorative justice programs for juvenile offenders. Issue Statement: Our prevailing approach to juvenile justice has precipitated a disconcerting cycle of criminal conduct among our youth. The one-size-fits-all paradigm currently in place neglects the diverse underlying causes of juvenile delinquency, impeding the rehabilitation and reintegration of these young individuals into society. In some instances, it may even exacerbate their behavior rather than providing the necessary assistance. Significance of the Issue: The repercussions of this problem extend beyond individual lives to impact the broader community. The existing approach not only impedes the personal development of juvenile offenders but also strains resources within our criminal justice system. It is evident that a paradigm shift towards restorative justice is imperative to disrupt the cycle of criminal behavior and encourage community involvement in addressing juvenile delinquency.
3 Leadership Paper Assignment on Restorative Justice Programs for Juvenile Offenders Introduction : I, Nicholas Joo, want to address a matter of critical importance within our criminal justice system—specifically, the challenges covering juvenile offenders. In the following essay, I will examine the problem, underscore its profound significance, and present a three-part solution, pulling insights from the invaluable research of Bergseth and Bouffard (2013), Bouffard et al. (2017), and Livingstone et al. (2013). Problem : The heart of the issue lies within the framework of our current juvenile justice system—a system that clings to ancient, one-size-fits-all methodologies, poorly addressing the multifaceted root causes of juvenile delinquency. Bergseth and Bouffard (2013) conduct a thorough examination, revealing the inherent inadequacies in our current methods. These inadequacies contribute to a concerning cycle of criminal behavior among the youth, hindering their rehabilitation and reintegration into society today. Consider the following example to illustrate this issue further: a 15-year-old from a low- income family gets accused of a non-violent crime and is subject to disciplinary measures that don't address the underlying problems. Despite its good intentions, our existing system lacks the subtlety needed to customize interventions to meet the unique requirements of each juvenile offender. In addition to rehabilitation, the task now becomes one of comprehending and correcting the initial conditions that gave rise to these behaviors. Significance : The significance of this problem exceeds the confines of juvenile detention centers; it
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4 resonates throughout our communities, hindering the personal development of young offenders and placing an unnecessary burden on the resources of our criminal justice system. Bouffard et al. (2017) shed light on the enduring impact, emphasizing the urgent need for a substantial shift in our approach to juvenile justice. Consider the societal toll of this dilemma—a generation of young individuals slipping through the cracks, potentially salvageable with the right interventions. The implications extend beyond financial considerations; they touch upon the very nature of our communities, affecting families, neighborhoods, and the cycles of countless young lives. The significance lies not only in the moral imperative but in the societal imperative to evolve our systems in tandem with the complexities of the issues they seek to address. Solution: Do Nothing: The proposition to maintain the status quo may seem like a pragmatic choice for those cautious of change, relying on the familiar beats of disciplinary measures such as incarceration and probation. However, as highlighted by Bergseth and Bouffard's (2013) research, this seemingly straightforward path may overlook a disconnect. Opting to do nothing is akin to turning a blind eye to the evolving landscape of juvenile justice, where evidence suggests that traditional disciplinary measures may not be as effective as previously believed. In choosing to do nothing, decision-makers risk memorializing a system that may inadvertently worsen the very issues it aims to address. It's akin to an attorney disregarding evolving case law, holding steadfast to outdated legal strategies. The consequence is a missed opportunity to reassess, adapt, and implement strategies that are not only effective but aligned with the evolving understanding of juvenile delinquency. Solution: Incremental Approach:
5 An incremental approach, as advocated by Livingstone et al. (2013), presents a reasonable middle ground—a phased mission where restorative justice programs are introduced on a limited scale. This strategy allows decision-makers to test the waters, observe outcomes, and make informed adjustments before committing to broader implementation. In essence, it mirrors the adaptive strategies employed in legal proceedings, minimizing risks while paving the way for a more comprehensive shift in the future. Imagine a situation where a portion of young criminals who have been picked according to certain standards, such the type of offenses they have committed and their unique circumstances, take part in restorative justice initiatives. By using this method as a controlled experiment, decision-makers can assess these interventions' efficacy in a practical setting. This approach's progressive design ensures a data-driven shift by offering the flexibility required for adjustments depending on observed outcomes. Solution: Implement the Entire Proposal: The most transformative solution, as advocated by Bouffard et al. (2017) and Livingstone et al. (2013), involves a comprehensive adoption of restorative justice programs for all juvenile offenders. This massive shift signifies a commitment to a rehabilitative and community-oriented juvenile justice system, aligning with the growing recognition of the limitations of punishment measures and the potential long-term benefits of restorative justice interventions. To guarantee the proposal's success, its full execution requires strategic planning, resource allocation, and ongoing assessment. Imagine a situation in which all juvenile offenders, regardless of their criminal history or type of offense, are given the chance to receive rehabilitation and reintegration into the community. It's an exciting concept that goes beyond legal issues and touches on the moral obligation to create an atmosphere in which every young
6 person can find forgiveness and development. Conclusion: I will conclude my essay by pleading with those in charge of making decisions to approach the issues facing our juvenile justice to a positive change. The choices are clear: either stick with the current course of events, make gradual changes, or start a radical overhaul. A careful analysis of the data put forth by Bergseth, Bouffard, Livingstone, and their academic colleagues must guide the conclusion. Let's work toward a juvenile justice system that not only makes amends for mistakes made but also fosters the possibility of good change, making society a safer and more peaceful place for all. We are constructing the future and creating an atmosphere where every young person has the chance for growth and atonement on this path, not just legal strategies. Biblical Worldview The underlying Christian conviction in the fallen condition of humanity is consistent with the Christian worldview that is promoted within our juvenile justice system. The idea that young offenders are people who need to be saved and should be treated as such is consistent with the Christian belief that every person is valuable regardless of their past sins. The essay's discussion of the issue's significance reveals a Christian viewpoint that goes beyond the boundaries of legal frameworks and dives into the moral obligation of promoting constructive community transformation. Christian concepts of grace, compassion, and the belief in the transforming power of redemption are used to balance the pros and cons of the proposed solutions, which include maintaining the status quo, taking a gradual approach, and making total reform. Colossians 3:13 (NIV), “13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” The call for a restorative justice
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7 system echoes the Christian worldview by emphasizing the possibilities of forgiveness, rehabilitation, and community reintegration, reflecting the overarching theme of grace and renewal found in the teachings of Christ. Ephesians 4:20-24 (NIV), “20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
8 References Bergseth, K. J., & Bouffard, J. A. (2013). Examining the effectiveness of restorative justice program for various types of juvenile offenders.  International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 57(9),  1054-1075. https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.journals/yvja15&i=454 . Bible gateway passage: Colossians 3:13 - new international version . Bible Gateway. (1978). https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3%3A13&version=NIV Bible gateway passage: Ephesians 4:20-24 - new international version. Bible Gateway. (1978). https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%2B4%3A20- 24&version=NIV Bouffard, J., Cooper, M., & Bergseth, K. (2017). The Effectiveness of Various Restorative Justice Interventions on Recidivism Outcomes Among Juvenile Offenders. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice., 15(4), 465–480. https://doi.org/10.1177/1541204016647428 Livingstone N, Macdonald G, Carr N. (2013). Restorative justice conferencing for reducing recidivism in young offenders (aged 7 to 21). The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23450592/ Melody W.S. Ip, Matthew Manning, Gabriel T.W. Wong & Dennis S.W. Wong. (2020) Exploring key risk factors of intimate partner violence among Chinese college students. Children and Youth Services Review 117, pages 105278. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17516234.2012.731161? scroll=top&needAccess=true
9 Rubric Leadership Paper Assignment Grading Rubric Criteria Ratin gs Pts Statement of Problem view longer description 5 / 5 pts Problem Section view longer description 20 / 20 pts Significance Section view longer description 20 / 20 pts Do Nothing Solution view longer description 15 / 15 pts Incremental Solution view longer description 15 / 15 pts Full Implementation Solution view longer description 15 / 15 pts Reference Support view longer description 13 / 15 pts Dedicated CWV view longer description 25 / 25 pts Readability and Style - Paragraphs view longer description 4 / 5 pts Readability and Style - Tone per APA view longer description 9 / 10 pts Readability and Style - Sentence structure view longer description 4 / 5 pts Mechanics 10 / 10 pts
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10 Leadership Paper Assignment Grading Rubric Criteria Ratin gs Pts view longer description Mechanics - In Paper citation format per APA view longer description 9 / 10 pts Mechanics - layout view longer description 5 / 5 pts Mechanics - Grammar view longer description 10 / 10 pts Mechanics - accuracy - Rubric view longer description 10 / 10 pts Total Points: 189