Lost Youth

I usually don't read the local papers, but yesterday while enjoying breakfast at a local diner, a headline grabbed my attention. The article talked about a wave of crime to hit Jefferson Township this past summer and how three local teens were arrested. The author correctly pointed out that what gets lost in a situation like that is the sense of security that is supposed to present in a rural, pastoral town. The young criminals obviously have no respect for themselves or anyone else. Somewhere along the way, they decided that engaging in antisocial behavior is an appropriate form of expression for their rage.
Having been a guest of the NJDOC, I have two suggestions to make. First of all, no matter how much prison time they receive, there will be no progress toward rehabilitation without some sort of incentive. Young people, no matter how much they may deny it, need structure. If given the opportunity to languish during their prison time, that's exactly what they will do. This is the major flaw of the State prison system. Inmates need incentive to improve themselves. Upgrades in status should come when certain educational goals are achieved. Even if the inmate has only a fifth grade education, then that's where the process should begin. Morality and self respect are great motivators. If a person can be made to feel like they have some self worth, then rehabilitation is possible.
Second, when they are released, these young people should be ordered to perform extensive community service, specifically for the people whose lives and homes they damaged. This would need to be done under close police supervision, but could prove an invaluable service to both victim and perpetrator. If these young people can be made to understand what they have taken, they may be more reluctant to re-engage in their violent, antisocial behavior. It could provide an opportunity for them to gain some compassion and maturity. It's certainly not guaranteed, but it's better than throwing them back into the community and letting the level of resentment and suspicion fester for years to come.