The Impact of Detention on Juveniles

If you have a child, nephew, niece, or another loved one who is part of the juvenile justice system,  learning about the impact of detention on juveniles is vital. However, it’s important to understand that these systems often do not work necessarily well in rehabilitating and supporting youth offenders on their return to society. Even relatively short-term stays in these facilities while awaiting trials can negatively impact them. Understanding those impacts can help you ensure you’re doing what you can to support them. Here are some common impacts of detention on juveniles.

Increased Chances of Re-Offending

With the stats that we have on recidivism, it is commonly understood that those who have been in the justice system have an increased chance of returning to it. This applies to juvenile just as much as to adults. Time spent in detention can lead to deeper entanglement with the law for a variety of reasons. Detention centers provide environments where criminal activity is often normalized amongst peers.

It can also cut children from opportunities for education and employment. This can leave criminal activities as one of the few viable options for them. As such, arguing for alternatives to detention, such as monitored house arrest, community-based programs, and counseling is typically better for the cild and long-term crime rate.

Increased Risk of Dropping out of School

The juvenile justice system and the centers that make it have a legal obligation to provide education to the young people within. However, research has shown that they are up to 40% less likely to graduate. Many of them drop out entirely within two years of being released from detention. The disruption to education and limited access to educational support can create a major gap between juvenile offenders and their peers.

What’s more, it can create a stigma of detention that leads to kids feeling hopeless. which can cause them to disengage from education entirely. Providing direct support is vital, both through encouraging your loved one and working with the center to ensure they are providing what they need.

Barriers to Further Education

Even if your child is one of those who is able to proceed through the justice system and graduate, they are more likely to face difficulties with furthering their education. Children with a criminal record can encounter challenges applying for trade schools and universities, which often require them to disclose criminal history.

Sometimes, it may even result in automatic disqualification. Although it depends on the state, there are paths to expunging a juvenile record that you may want to explore with the help of a lawyer. Often, these require the child to be over 18 to avoid association with criminals in the future, amongst other things.

Diminished Employment Opportunities

Just as a juvenile record can affect chances of getting into a school, it can also have lasting impacts on securing employment. Many employers conduct background checks and, depending on the nature of the offense, may not be willing to hire those with a negative past. Time spent in detention can also cause a child to miss out on vital opportunities to develop skills and experience. As such, helping them find programs, such as vocational training and mentorship can be vital in closing the gap.

Increased Risk of Depression

The impact of detention on juveniles is especially profound with mental health. The isolation, fear, and hopelessness that can come with such places can easily contribute to depression. The experience can be nothing short of traumatic and without supportive relationships, it can be difficult for young people to move on from their experiences.

Depression among young people who have been in detention often goes untreated due to the dual stigma associated with a criminal history and mental health. As such, it’s important for loved ones to reach out proactively. Have them check in regularly and get them mental health services if they need help.

Vulnerability to Abuse and Bullying

While children have rights, including protecting them from harm while in the justice system, detention centers routinely fail in this area. They can be dangerous environments where abuse and bullying are perpetrated by both staff and peers. Needless to say, the long-lasting impact  of detention on juveniles can be psychologically devastating. 

If you have a loved one who is in or returned from juvenile detention, be vigilant in understanding their condition, ensuring you provide a safe space where they can come to you about any abuses. Working with a trusted lawyer for youth detention sexual abuse victims, you can ensure that their rights are protected and help them see justice done. Reporting abuses, seeking legal recourse, and demanding accountability are essential steps in protecting detained youth from harm.

Struggles With Trauma

The above things show the impact of detention on juveniles that can leave a mark on young people. Even those who are not actively targeted find the process of detention deeply traumatic. Aside from being separated from family, exposure to violence (even when it doesn’t happen to them directly) and the loss of autonomy can lead to long-term emotional and psychological difficulties. When talking to your loved one, especially after their release, keep an eye out for the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, and seek therapeutic support focused on trauma-informed care.

Losing Trust in Institutions

As many of the points above have stated, there are plenty of reasons not to trust the justice system, especially detention centers. It’s OK to be skeptical and hold them accountable for their failings. However, a total lack of trust in institutions can do an individual more harm than good.

Children can begin to see other institutions of authority like schools and healthcare providers as adversaries. This attitude may build a natural dislike of authority figures that can lead to problems integrating back into society. There has been a rise in anti-social behavior as a result of the erosion of trust in institutions and it’s important for families to be aware. Play a role in helping them see the value of institutions that can help them, fostering a reconnection with their community.

The impact of detention on juveniles can be profound and far-reaching. Understanding these impacts can help you better advocate for the young person in your life who might be susceptible to adversity. It may even encourage you to take a step in fighting for a change to these systems.