Reply to Md. officials urge review of youth crime laws as 12-year-old's serial break-ins continue

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Reply to "Md. officials urge review of youth crime laws as 12-year-old's serial break-ins continue"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I understand that the police are frustrated but I fail to see how charging the kid would help. A twelve year old breaking into car dealerships every night and getting caught over and over is a cry for help, for goodness sake. Getting caught seems to be the point. [/quote]

The juvenile justice system doesn't charge. These acts aren't considered  crimes. They are delinquent acts that "would" be crimes if committed by an adult. That's why juvenile records are sealed and don't follow kids when they become adults.  The kids get referred for services. It's one of the few ways to at least try to get help for kids.

Some kids end up detained but the vast majority go home to their parents. The courts develop a treatment service plan to help habilitate or rehabilitate if needed.

The system is not very effective but at its heart, it's trying to help the offenders make better choices. It's not meant to be punitive.  [/quote]

It should be more punitive. These kids are bad apples![/quote]

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