What is the purpose of using the juvenile justice system?

The purpose of using the juvenile justice system in Washington is to hold youth accountable for the actions they commit while providing them the opportunity to turn their lives around and make positive changes. The juvenile justice system is focused on rehabilitation and promoting the safety of the community through reformation of the youth offender. When a juvenile is arrested, the charges will be addressed in juvenile court. The purpose of the court is to focus on the individual’s unique needs, rather than simply punishing them for their infractions. The court will typically assign a probation officer to the juvenile and may require counseling, community service, restitution for damages, or other interventions. The goal of this process is to address the underlying issues that may have caused the crime and help the juvenile learn to manage their behavior. In addition, the court may order the juvenile to complete educational requirements, such as attending school or completing college classes. These requirements are designed to help the offender further develop important life skills and develop the necessary skills to succeed as an adult. Ultimately, the goal of the juvenile justice system in Washington is to promote public safety and protect the community, while also providing juveniles with the necessary guidance and resources to prevent them from committing future offenses.

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