The occurrence of sexual abuse by children against children has risen dramatically in recent years. Many states have responded to this critical problem by enacting more stringent juvenile sex offender laws, often subjecting the adolescent to adult criminal proceedings, and thereby depriving the offender of any possibility of rehabilitative treatment. This Note argues that such measures contravene the rehabilitative ideal of the juvenile justice system and fail to hamper the increased possibility of recidivism among juvenile sex offenders. Noting that a large percentage of adult sex offenders begin as juveniles, this Note examines measures that would reduce the risk of recidivism among juvenile sex offenders.
Studies indicate that imprisoned juveniles risk a substantially increased possibility of recidivism.
Thus, this Note reviews alternatives to incarceration and the various approaches to rehabilitative treatment enacted by some states. Noting the high success rate of such treatment programs in reducing recidivism among juvenile sex offenders, this Note concludes that placing juvenile offenders in proper treatment facilities, rather than prison, better serves the community by rehabilitating, rather than merely incarcerating adolescent sex offenders.