Juvenile Justice Systems And Processes –

cja403

(3 credits)

This course is a general orientation to the field of juvenile justice, including causation theories and the development of system responses to delinquent behavior. The problems facing juveniles today are addressed, and adult and juvenile justice systems are compared, including initial apprehension, referral, and preventive techniques. Specific issues examined include chemical dependency, mental illness, and compulsive and habitual offenders. Special attention is given to the problems inherent in the police handling of juveniles and the function of juvenile courts.

This undergraduate-level course is 5 weeks. To enroll, speak with an Enrollment Advisor.

Topics and Objectives

Overview of Juvenile Justice in the United States
- Review and discuss the history and development of the juvenile court system.
- Compare and contrast the roles of the juvenile and adult courts.
- Assess the impact of national initiatives, case law, and legislation on state juvenile justice systems.
- Critically examine and assess methods and information sources used in the measurement of delinquency.
- Explore and be able to discuss the various theories of delinquency causation.
Police and the Community
- Review and describe the role of the police in the juvenile justice system.
- Explore the use of prevention and intervention strategies in the community.
Juvenile Court Process
- Review and describe the juvenile court process in the handling of juvenile offenders.
- Discuss the role and authority of the judge, prosecuting attorney, Court Appointed Special Advocate, public defender, and probation officers.
- Examine and critically analyze the action of remanding juveniles to adult court.
- Review and be able to describe various models of risk-needs assessment tools in assessment and classification of juvenile offenders.
- Explore and be able to articulate the effectiveness and appropriateness of a variety of dispositional alternatives.
Juvenile Corrections
- Compare and contrast correctional objectives for juvenile treatment and public safety.
- Explore the types of institutions, programs, and services available to juveniles.
- Examine the role and effectiveness of juvenile aftercare.
- Evaluate the dual standards that may be applied by the juvenile justice system.
Future Trends
- Explore the ramifications of US Department of Justice involvement in state juvenile correctional facilities.
- Discuss the potential for national accreditation and standards for the juvenile justice system.
- Critically analyze the role of privatization in the juvenile justice system.
- Explore the role of existing and new research in determining the future of the juvenile justice system.

The University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses.
While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with a University Enrollment Advisor.
Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.

Juvenile Justice Systems And Processes –

cja403

Overview of Juvenile Justice in the United States

Police and the Community

Juvenile Court Process

Juvenile Corrections

Future Trends

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