Incarceration does not benefit status offenders.
Status offenders are juveniles who commit crimes that are youth-specific, such as curfew violations, runaways or alcohol consumption. In 1974, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the U.S. Department of Justice directed the states to de-institutionalize these young offenders after statistics showed that incarceration did not prevent reoffending.
History
Before the 18th century, juveniles and adults suffered the same punishments for criminal behaviors in the United States. However, by the late 18th century, states began to focus on rehabilitation of young offenders. Child protective legislation was enacted that emphasized remedial interventions.
Warnings
Concerned parents believe they have no recourse regarding truant children without institutionalization. Law enforcement officers also struggle with the knowledge that unprotected youth can freely roam the streets without fear of consequences, and they may suffer victimization, homelessness, and other serious issues. Furthermore, detaining these juveniles can make truancy and underlying problems worse.
Statistics
Between 1989 and 1993, status offender arrests increased from 81,000 to 111,200, about 37 percent. Most of these increases were were attributed to an increased number of runaway youths.
