Crime Causation and Diversion Essay

Crime Causation and Diversion
S. Gulley
University of Phoenix
CJA/374-Juvenile Justice Systems and Processes
Darryl Wolfgang
May 05, 2014

Crime Causation and Diversion There are many diversion, intervention, and prevention programs for juveniles in the United States. These programs were created in an attempt to reduce or prevent juvenile crime. This paper will provide information about two intervention programs located in Sacramento, California; the S.H.O.C.K. program, and the Folsom State Prison Youth Diversion Program. Information will be given about each programs’ major goals and objectives, key participants, and services provided. There will also be discussion on which of the two programs is more effective at reducing juvenile crime.

The S.H.O.C.K. Program S.H.O.C.K. stands for Self-Discipline, Honor, Obedience, Character, and Knowledge. The S.H.O.C.K. program is used to show troubled teens the reality of poor decision making and negative choices. This eight week program aims to combat negative influences such as drugs, gangs, teen pregnancy, communication issues, and lack of self respect. The juveniles in the program go to classes two nights a week for eight weeks. Classes are three hours long and consist of an hour and a half of physical activity and an hour and a half of classroom instruction. The physical activity portion of the class is used to promote teamwork and improve impulse control. The classroom portion provides lessons on making better choices, consequences of being in gangs, drug and alcohol awareness, bullying awareness, juvenile probation, and the value of attending school (Sheriff's Community Impact Program, n.d.).
Requirements for Participation The S.H.O.C.K. program is for juveniles who are living a negative lifestyle or are in danger of heading down the wrong path. This includes youth who skip school repeatedly, are disruptive in the classroom, or have problems with drugs, alcohol, or gangs (Sheriff's Community Impact Program, n.d.).
To participate in the program Juveniles: must be between the ages of 12-14 must be a resident of Sacramento County must be enrolled in a school within Sacramento County must not be on formal probation or in placement must volunteer (youth must be referred or offer may be made to a youthful offender)
(Sheriff's Community Impact Program, n.d.)
Services Provided
Sacramento Children’s Home An early violence intervention program called eVIBE (Early Violence Intervention Begins with Education) is provided by the Sacramento Children’s home. The early violence intervention program teaches social skills, violence prevention, and conflict management skills. The class is meant for S.H.O.C.K. students and their parents to attend together (Sheriff's Community Impact Program, n.d.).
Terra Nova Counseling Terra Nova Counseling provides trained therapists during the S.H.O.C.K. program. Services provided by the therapists include individual and couples counseling, family counseling, group therapy, children’s therapy, parent counseling and education, and anger management (Sheriff's Community Impact Program, n.d.).
Who Benefits from S.H.O.C.K.? Everyone benefits from the S.H.O.C.K. program. Communities see a reduction in crime within their schools and neighborhoods. The court system receives a reduction in caseload which increases efficiency and lowers court costs. Families obtain access to resources and are able to develop the relationships that they have with their children. Finally, the juveniles are able to learn the consequences of negative behavior. Knowledge of consequences helps juveniles to improve their lifestyles and become better members of the communities in which they live (Sheriff's Community Impact Program, n.d.).

Folsom State Prison Youth Diversion Program According to "Sacramento County Sheriff'S Department Youth Services Programs " (2012), The Folsom State Prison Youth Diversion Program “invites at-risk youth

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