CRJU 445
Juvenile Corrections

1. Catalog Entry

CRJU 445. Juvenile Corrections
Three hours lecture (3).

Prerequisites: CRJU100 or CRJU150, and CRJU238

Introduces students to key concepts in the area of juvenile corrections. Topics include key differences between the juvenile justice system and the adult system, diversion programs targeting juveniles, sanctions for juvenile offenders, juvenile inmate characteristics, and issues related to juvenile corrections such as privatization of juvenile corrections.

2. Detailed Description of Course

This course will focus on five major areas of study:

• Juvenile Justice System Goals: The first component will provide students with a broad overview of the juvenile justice system and the goals of the system, including due process concerns.
• Juvenile Programs This section will introduce students to a variety of programs targeting juveniles, including diversionary programs and community-based programs, which may include a comparative analysis of programs that exist in other countries as well.
• Sanctions available for Juvenile Offenders Students will learn the options that may be available to punish and rehabilitate juveniles, which may include a comparative analysis of sanctions that exist in other countries as well.
• Juvenile Community Corrections This section will provide a detailed understanding of juvenile probation and various forms of intermediate sanctions, which includes a critical examination of the issues pertaining to juvenile community corrections.
• Juvenile Incarceration This component will introduce students to the issues facing administrators, correctional officers, and juveniles who are incarcerated. Included in this component is juvenile parole.

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

A variety of instructional techniques will be utilized in this course. The class will be taught under the philosophy of active learning and student engagement. A number of strategies will be utilized to provoke student interest and discussion, including (but not limited to):

• Critical analysis of works of fiction, films, and classic literature within juvenile justice
• Case-study examinations of controversial issues.
• Class discussion, role-playing, roundtables, debates, and/or multimedia presentations.
• Various written assignments.
• Traditional lecture.
• Guest speakers.

4. Student Goals and Objectives of the Course

The objectives of this course are as follows:

• To promote analytical and critical thinking skills.
• To develop the ability to locate, evaluate, and utilize academic resources.
• To understand the role of formal and informal social control in the enforcement of law as it pertains to juveniles.
• To assess multiple rationales for punishment of juveniles.
• To appreciate the role of discretion in the juvenile justice system.
• To describe the juvenile justice process in the United States.
• To critically evaluate programs available to juvenile justice professionals.
• To debate the effectiveness, efficiency, and legitimacy of juvenile justice policies.
• To understand the benefits and drawbacks of a wide variety of juvenile sanctions.

5. Assessment Measures

Assessment measures may include any combination of the following:

• Exams (in-class and/or out-of-class) designed to permit synthesis and application of course material.
• Short quizzes over assigned reading or class presentations.
• Individual or group presentations/debates/role-plays/etc.
• Classroom discussion and participation.
• Reflective journal assignments.
• Analytic written assignments.
• Applied written exercises.

6. Other Course Information
7. Approval and Subsequent Reviews