Discussion 2-1

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Apr 3, 2024

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In your initial post, identify one of the social issues on this site that pertains to a crime and violence topic. Review the goals of the ACLU as an organization. Explain why the issue fits within the goals of the ACLU and reflect on the stance that the ACLU is taking on that particular issue. Oh, the ACLU. The Juvenile Justice article went over goal of bringing light to youths turning to crime and the harsh punishments they face, the ACLU has made it seem like the “young people” should have a miniscule of a lesson to learn because “they are still developing.” Yes, the life-long sentences are too much, however, I don’t see “community alternatives” making a difference. The ACLU stated, “We are working to change laws and policies so that states and local jurisdictions use youth jails and prisons sparingly and instead provide effective community-based services and supports to system-involved young people and their families.” Show the statistics supporting those alternatives because when you think of punishment in general, you must remember: what’s the crime? What were the circumstances? Society puts a monetary value on a lot of crimes so what was the dollar amount of the crime? Are those alternatives in the “disenfranchised communities” actually working? The ACLU’s strive for perfection is controversial in itself as that goal only seems to spread more chaos. They boast a want to protect civil liberties but many of their goals are unplausible. They lack true diversity in their website, specifically focusing on one ethnic group. And let’s face it, more than one ethnic group gets the short end of the stick; but nothing says unification like dividing ourselves. Ironically, of all their issues listed in alphabetical order on the website, Education is not one of them. Of all the things in our country that needs reforming, it is definitely our education system; that is the start of a majority of the issues they supposedly want to fight. I chose to read about the Juvenile Justice System and the ACLU’s goal to challenge the “School-to-Prison” disposition. The ACLU is working towards giving public schools the support needed to assist students deemed “failures” from their low-performances or challenging backgrounds. The ACLU is focused on moving away from sending youths to jail or prison and instead advocate to using community-based alternatives so to keep the developing minds away from harsh, life-long sentences. The ACLU hope to change society’s perspective regarding numerous policies and practices within public school systems and the juvenile justice system that contribute to the school-to-prison pipelin . References American Civil Liberties Union. (2024, March 13). School-to-Prison Pipeline. Retrieved from https://www.aclu.org/issues/juvenile-justice/juvenile-justice-school-prison-pipeline

While it may not be the step forward the ACLU wants, the programs included at juvenile facilities IS a step forward. Should it have come to this? No, but it’s a rehabilitation step. The programs and treatments offered are not meant to punish but to pick up where the schools failed and help the youths work through correcting “thinking errors” that cause their behavior. On top of Family Counseling, the treatments offered are: Sex Offender, Capital Offender, Chemical Dependency, Art Therapy, Emotional Disturbance, Therapeutic horsemanship, Mental illness, Mental Competency Restoration. The Programs are: Education, Vocational, Counseling and Psychological Services, Structured Recreational Activities, Religious Services, Cultural Services, Financial Responsibility, Substance Abuse, Employment, Community Service, Independent Living Preparation, College Prep Courses, Long Distance Learning (tech bases subjects), Ropes Course, and a Parenting Course. Everything must be approved by appropriate agencies and must have staff and/or safety supervision where appropriate. References Federal Bureau of Prisons. (2024, March 13). Washington D.C. Retrieved from https://www.bop.gov/inmates/custody_and_care/juveniles.jsp Juvenile Population Facts Federal juveniles are a special population with special designation needs. Each juvenile is placed in a facility that provides the appropriate level of programming and security. Several factors are considered when making placements, such as age, offense, length of commitment, mental and physical health. Historically, the federal juvenile population has been predominately Native American males with an extensive history of drug, alcohol, and violent behavior. More than 87% are between 17 to 20 years old. Over 72% of the total juvenile population has required placement in secure facilities for violent offenses, such as sex offenses, assault, robbery, and homicide.

Over 74% of the total juvenile population is from Arizona, District of Columbia, Montana, and South Dakota. The federal government has unique jurisdiction over crimes in Indian Country and the most serious crimes committed on reservations tend to be prosecuted in federal court. Consequently, over 79% of federal juveniles are Native American. Typically, federal juvenile offenders have committed violent offenses and have an unfavorable history of responding to interventions and preventive measures in the community. As a last resort, they are sentenced by the federal courts to the custody of the Bureau. Juvenile Family Reunification Regardless of the terminology used to describe the return of juvenile offenders to a community setting following a period of incarceration (e.g., re- entry, aftercare, post release, supervised release, parole, probation supervision, and/or mandatory age release) the contractor must submit policies and procedures designed to prepare federal juveniles for reintegration, prior to the actual release. The Bureau's goal of placing all federal juveniles close to their home is based on transitioning the juvenile back into the community and eventually reuniting them with their family. In addition to providing for family visitation, individual and family counseling must be made available to all juveniles, their families, and/or significant others, if feasible. Counseling must be provided by qualified professionals who have the appropriate state license, if such is required. Counseling staff must also be able to obtain additional consultation services when the need arises. A slow step forward for the ACLU would be The First Step Act. A policy enacted in 2018 designed to “to promote rehabilitation, lower recidivism, and reduce excessive sentences” (Ashley Nellis & Komar, 2023). Those incarcerated with non-violent offenses were able to earn a compassionate release from prison. “The recidivism rate among people who have benefitted from the law is considerably lower than those who were released from prison without benefit of the law” (Ashley Nellis & Komar, 2023). While this doesn’t solve all of the problems facing our Justice System, at least those with non-violent offenses are not needlessly incarcerated. Despite the controversial perspectives regarding the First Step Act (remember, not all non-violent crimes are drug related) at least the First Step Act follows the ACLU’s goal reducing incarceration numbers.

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References Ashley Nellis, P., & Komar, L. (2023, August 22). The First Step Act: Ending Mass Incarceration in Federal Prisons. Retrieved from https://www.sentencingproject.org/policy-brief/the-first-step-act- ending-mass-incarceration-in-federal-prisons/

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