One of the greatest challenges to the criminal justice system is juvenile offenders, who may become adult criminals. However, instead of military-style boot camps or other stopgap measures, __________ (such as more and better education and jobs, affordable housing, more equality and less discrimination, and socially productive activities) are needed to reduce street crime.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Structural solutions, such as more and better education and jobs, affordable housing, more equality and less discrimination, and socially productive activities address the underlying issues that contribute to juvenile delinquency and crime. These solutions aim to prevent youth from entering the criminal justice system in the first place, rather than simply punishing them after the fact. Boot camps and other punitive measures have not been proven to be effective in reducing recidivism rates among juvenile offenders. Restorative principles and correctional alternatives may have a role to play in rehabilitation and supporting reentry for those who have already become involved in the criminal justice system, but structural solutions are the most effective in preventing youth from turning to crime.

One of the Greatest Challenges to the Criminal Justice System