Finally, there is sufficient evidence that prove the effectiveness of early intervention and preventative programs. But it remains a disappointing fact that these measures are not carried out in a whole-hearted way. The federal and state level funding that goes toward these programs are minuscule when we compare other government budgetary allocations. To give the most obvious example, in the five years since the start of the Iraq war in 2003, the military expenditures have amounted to more than $850 billions. It is a shame that our policy makers spend so much on a vague military cause (a majority of Americans still don’t understand how Iraq is a threat to their security, let alone the dubious connections made between Saddam Hussein and Osama-bin-Laden) while neglecting the well-being of its own youth.
This essay set out to elaborate on the sentence “We recognize that while change is a challenge, it is also a condition of life”, with emphasis laid on practical measures that would bring about the necessary ‘change’. From the studies and findings that was perused for composing this essay, it is now obvious that there are proven mechanisms through which high-risk youth can be helped. It is also evident that events such as the Jeff Weise shootout are not one off events, but are rather the result of systemic flaws. What is now lacking is the necessary political will – a situation that is caused by misplaced priorities of our policy makers.
Works Cited:
Calhoun, John A., and Jean O’Neil. “Making a Connection: The National Crime Prevention Council Joins Youthful Offenders with Their Communities.” Corrections Today Dec. 2001: 92+.
Mann, Emily A., and Arthur J. Reynolds. “Early Intervention and Juvenile Delinquency Prevention: Evidence from the Chicago Longitudinal Study.” Social Work Research 30.3 (2006): 153+.
Onwudiwe, Ihekwoaba D. “Theoretical Perspectives on Juvenile Delinquency: Root Causes and Control.” Corrections Today Oct. 2004: 153+.
“Prevention and Teamwork Key to Fighting Juvenile Crime.” Corrections Today Apr. 1997: 42+.
Theriot, Matthew T. “Peter W. Greenwood, Changing Lives: Delinquency Prevention as Crime Control Policy.” Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare 34.2 (2007): 219+.