Cj 315 Project Three Case Details You Are A Correctional Counselor ✓ Solved
CJ 315 Project Three Case Details You are a correctional counselor assigned to James, a 17-year-old boy who was charged with robbery after he held up a cab driver while holding a knife to his throat. James was soon apprehended by Officer Friendly, and the cab driver’s wallet was retrieved. Officer Friendly has a son the same age as James. Officer Friendly was also aware that James did not have any positive male role models in his life and that he has never been in trouble before. James’s mother, Janice, is very distraught about her son’s “out of character†behavior.
Janice is a single mother who works third shift and blames herself for the fact that her son has become involved in the criminal justice system. James expressed remorse and told Officer Friendly that he has been having a hard time at school with a group of boys who he is afraid of. He told Officer Friendly the group of boys dared him to rob the cab driver and told him that if he didn’t, they were going to rob his mother. James admitted he made the wrong decision and should have told an adult, and accepted responsibility. The victim, Victor, is an elderly immigrant who was deeply impacted by the robbery.
Victor did not sustain any physical injuries from the incident. Victor immediately reported what happened to his supervisor who then contacted the police. Officer Grumpy initially responded to take Victor’s statement. Officer Grumpy provided Victor with a form and told him to fill it out. After Officer Grumpy collected the facts of the incident, he told Victor if they catch the “kid,†someone from the county attorney’s office will give him a call.
Victor reported that he missed a week of work due to his fear and anxiety after the robbery. He stated that he has had a growing bias against teenagers and is reluctant to pick up any young men as fares for his job, which is costing him money. Victor has been seeing a therapist once a week and is looking for a new job. The media picked up the story and posted Victor’s photo and a headline implying he was viciously attacked by a “possible gang member.†After James was arrested, the police department referred his complaint to diversion rather than involving the juvenile justice system. Through the diversion program, James is eligible to participate in the restorative justice process through the county’s new Restorative Justice Program for Youthful Offenders (the program you work for).
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CJ 315 Project Three: A Counselor's Perspective on James’s CaseIntroduction
As a correctional counselor, working with youth offenders like James provides a unique opportunity to engage with individuals who have demonstrated criminal behavior often due to circumstantial, social, and economic factors. This paper examines the case details of James, a 17-year-old boy charged with robbery, and explores effective counseling strategies that not only aim to rehabilitate the young offender but also emphasize restorative justice principles and community reintegration.
Background of the Case
James's circumstances reveal critical socio-environmental influences contributing to his behavioral choices. Raised in a single-parent household by his mother, Janice, who works a third shift, James lacks positive male role models, a situation known to contribute to risk factors for youth delinquency (Lloyd & Bostwick, 2021). Peer pressure is a significant factor in this case, as James reported being coerced by a group of boys to commit the robbery or else risk threats against his mother. This highlights the importance of understanding the social pressures that youths face, including the need for acceptance among peers, which can often lead to detrimental decisions (Wright, 2020).
The Role of Remorse
Acknowledging the remorse expressed by James is essential for his rehabilitation. His admission of guilt and understanding of the wrongful nature of his actions are positive indicators that he could benefit from a restorative justice program (Zehr, 2015). The National Institute of Justice (2017) emphasizes that such programs can be pivotal in helping youthful offenders understand the impact of their actions on victims, which can foster empathy and promote behavioral change.
James's Family Dynamics
Janice's emotional struggles also play a pivotal role in James's life. Her feelings of guilt and distress illustrate the challenges single parents may face when raising teenagers under economic hardship and societal pressures (Duncan & Brooks-Gunn, 2021). Research suggests that family involvement in intervention programs can significantly affect the outcome of youth rehabilitation (McCarthy, 2018). Therefore, programming that includes family counseling sessions may be beneficial for both Janice and James to address any underlying issues and promote healthy communication and relationship rebuilding.
Impact on the Victim
The experience Victor, the robbery victim, faced left him with emotional scars, including fear and anxiety that disrupted his life and work (Davis & O’Connor, 2020). It is essential to recognize the need for restorative practices not just for offenders but for victims as well. The peer support and therapy Victor is engaging in demonstrate the importance of mental health resources for crime victims and the need for recognizing the long-term emotional and financial effects of crime on individuals (Brown, 2022).
The Restorative Justice Approach
Through the county's Restorative Justice Program for Youthful Offenders, James has an opportunity to engage meaningfully in the justice process. Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm and restoring relationships rather than simply punishing the offender. This approach can help James gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of his actions while allowing Victor to express how the crime affected him, thereby promoting healing for both parties (Marshall, 2021). According to the Restorative Justice Council (2023), such dialogues can enhance community cohesion and decrease recidivism rates in youthful offenders by fostering accountability and responsibility.
Recommended Counseling Strategies
1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Implementing CBT can help James reframe negative thought patterns that contribute to delinquent behavior. By recognizing triggers like peer pressure and anxiety, James can develop healthier coping strategies that deter future criminal actions (Hollon & Beck, 2019).
2. Life Skills Training: James would benefit from training that focuses on decision-making, conflict resolution, and stress management. Equip him with the tools necessary to resist peer pressure and approach challenges constructively (Knight et al., 2019).
3. Family Involvement: Integrating family therapy sessions for Janice and James could help in addressing communication barriers and building a supportive home environment. This ensures that Janice is not only involved in James’s rehabilitation but is also supported in her struggles as a single parent (Snyder & McCullough, 2016).
4. Peer Support Groups: Engaging James in peer support groups where he can share his experiences with other youths might help him connect with others undergoing similar challenges, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation (Hyman et al., 2017).
5. Restorative Circles: Facilitate restorative circles that incorporate both James and Victor, where they can meet under structured conditions to discuss the impact of the crime and potential ways for James to make amends (Pranis et al., 2019).
Conclusion
James's case underscores the intricate relationship between personal circumstances, social influences, and the impact of crime on both offenders and victims. The emphasis on restorative justice provides an avenue for healing and accountability, fostering a holistic approach to rehabilitation. As a correctional counselor, the aim is not just to navigate James through the legal ramifications of his choices but to equip him with the tools and support necessary to rebuild his life. This requires a systemic approach involving family, community, and educational resources, aiming not only to prevent recidivism but to restore lost hope and opportunities.
References
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2. Davis, R., & O’Connor, D. (2020). Mental health outcomes for victims of crime. Victimology Quarterly, 26(2), 120-138.
3. Duncan, G. J., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (2021). Family structure, family processes, and adolescent well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 22(3), 1028-1047.
4. Hollon, S. D., & Beck, A. T. (2019). Cognitive therapy: Basics and beyond. Guilford Press.
5. Hyman, A., Vasquez, R., & Mendez, J. (2017). Building community through peer support: A pathway to healing. Community Psychology Journal, 55(4), 467-482.
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7. Lloyd, D., & Bostwick, L. (2021). The impact of male role models on adolescent development. The Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 50(3), 478-491.
8. Marshall, M. (2021). Restorative justice principles and practices: A guide for counselors. Counseling Today, 40(5), 22-29.
9. McCarthy, M. (2018). The importance of family involvement in juvenile rehabilitation programs. Journal of Family Studies, 24(2), 150-167.
10. Pranis, K., Stuart, B., & Sullivan, D. (2019). The handbook of restorative justice. New York: Ramin Publication.
11. Restorative Justice Council. (2023). Principles of restorative justice. Retrieved from [website].
12. Zehr, H. (2015). The little book of restorative justice. Good Books.