Why Not Let Kids Be Kids? An Exploratory Analysis of the Relationship Between Alternative Rationales for Managing Status Offending and Youths’ Self-Concepts

Abstract

Over the past several decades, the juvenile justice system has struggled with an effective response to status offenders and their unwanted behaviors. Three divergent rationales have emerged for handling these youth: (1) treatment, (2) deterrence, and (3) normalization. Using data from over 300 youth under supervision by agencies in three states, the current study assesses how these differing practices are related to youths' self-concepts. Results provide support for both deterrence and normalization-based rationales over the historical treatment-based rationale. Viewing status offending as normal adolescent behavior (i.e., normalization) has the most beneficial effect on self-concept. Study limitations and directions for future research are discussed.

Sex Disaggregated Trajectories of Status Offenders: Does CINS/FINS Status Prevent Male and Female Youth From Becoming Labeled Delinquent?

“…This study attempted to provide a baseline indication for re-asserting the idea echoed long ago that status offenders are indeed a different type of offender and if there is such a group of "pure" status offenders and they are merely wayward youth who are more than likely acting out in response to an abusive home environment (Jennings et al, 2009), then it is time that they are treated accordingly to avoid further penetration into the juvenile justice and/or adult correctional system.…”