We are constantly reminded that the United States has a problem with juvenile violence. Nightly we hear of shootings in communities and even in our schools.
People are concerned and rightly so.
Thus far it seems, however, that the concern has focused disproportionately on punishment and very little on prevention or intervention. The United States is now the world leader in its rate of incarceration. Yet polls tell us that Americans feel no safer now than 10 years ago. We are increasingly focused on treating juveniles as adults, despite concern that current incarceration has not stemmed the tide of adult violence, and recidivism continues largely unchecked. Perhaps it's time to look at what we do know.