What is the role of the school system in the juvenile justice system?

In Virginia, the school system plays a pivotal role in a youth’s involvement in the juvenile justice system. Schools are required to immediately report any incidents of potential child abuse or neglect, as well as any criminal offenses Schools are also responsible for initiating juvenile proceedings, which may result from an incident occurring on school grounds, a violation of school rules, or because of other offenses committed by the juvenile. Schools work with various government agencies to provide education, counseling, and other services for juveniles, in order to discourage delinquent behavior. Many schools employ school resource officers, or SROs, who are assigned to a school and serve as a liaison between the school and law enforcement. SROs develop relationships with students and monitor their behavior. In addition to serving as the first line of defense against juvenile crime in school, schools are also necessary for rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. Schools provide counseling, mentoring, and support services to children who have committed offenses, so they can become contributing members of society. Schools also help prepare students for their return to the community after being involved in the juvenile justice system. Through educational programs, structured activities, and after-school programs, schools can help guide at-risk juveniles away from a path of crime and toward a more productive one.

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