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Abstract

Starting in the 1970s, the traditional rehabilitative philosophy of the juvenile court has come under attack, and there has been a sustained effort to subject delinquent youths to more punitive penalties. Despite such “get tough” policies, a competing body of research has developed suggesting that citizens continue to support “saving” wayward children. This study surveyed a random sample of Tennessee residents to determine whether they believed that rehabilitation should be an integral part of juvenile corrections and whether they would become personally involved in this child-saving effort. The results reveal continued support for juvenile rehabilitation and for early intervention programs. In addition, a sizeable minority of respondents was willing to volunteer to help troubled youths. These results suggest that the public recognizes a collective responsibility to intervene in the lives of delinquent and at-risk youths, thereby supporting Hillary Rodham Clinton's belief that “it takes a village” to raise a child.

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It Takes a Village

Abstract

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