Teen Incarceration: From Cell Bars to Ankle Bracelets

"Prison reform is a pressing issue in U.S. politics. This text explores how the criminal justice system deals with offenders, specifically adolescents. The organization is clear and engaging, with numerous sidebars and vivid photographs. Jones discusses the evidence for why juvenile prison reform is needed, the triumphs and failures of various alternatives to incarceration, and programs that help young people successfully rejoin society. Throughout, the author continually returns to the causes of criminal behavior in youth, such as drug abuse, poverty, and domestic violence. Particularly valuable is the use of related acronyms and other vocabulary that can help researchers delve more deeply into the topic. Arguments against reform are not included. However, this is still a beneficial text. VERDICT: A strong addition to collections in need of social science titles on prison reform."--School Library Journal

"The complicated history and issues surrounding the punishment of teenage offenders is concisely and thoughtfully discussed in this examination of the juvenile-justice system outside and inside prison walls. Jones begins with a brief history of U.S. criminal justice, noting that 'the pendulum between punishment and rehabilitation models has swung back and forth as society's mores change.' Examining the inclination toward rehabilitation, Jones discusses how treatment of teen offenders has moved from harsh punishment toward alternative models based upon brain-development research and incorporating alternative models like education, skills training, and therapy. Jones makes excellent use of statistics, research studies, and the voices of former teen offenders to examine what works and what does not. He shares insights from his own experiences working with juvenile offenders in Hennepin County, Minnesota. He also highlights the racial inequities in America's criminal justice system, noting that 'while minority kids make up about one-third of the U.S. juvenile population, they are two-thirds of the juvenile corrections population.' The book concludes with a look at alternatives to incarceration. One approach worthy of more discussion than is accorded here is reconciliation and restorative justice, which, in lieu of punishment, has the offender restore or repair the damage done to an individual or business and personally atone for the offense. An accessible, informative introduction to the topic."--Kirkus Reviews

"This multifaceted, informative look at youth incarceration examines the history, components, and issues of the juvenile justice system, as well as how a range of jurisdictions have sought to address both juvenile crime and the young offenders themselves. From the onset, Jones, who has worked with young inmates, incorporates evidentiary research and offenders' personal stories and demonstrates that rehabilitation should be a goal. While not downplaying the severity of some of the included crimes, Jones conveys youth incarceration's many complexities, including risk factors, racial and gender sentencing disparities, and the school-to-prison pipeline, all while emphasizing incarceration's impact on youthful offenders and their communities at large. Also discussed are post-prison challenges, the value of life- and job-skills programs and therapy, and how being supportive and fostering hope are important factors in reducing youth crimes and recidivism. The book concludes with some relatively recent alternatives to incarceration, like community service, electronic monitoring, and mentoring programs. Extensive source notes, a glossary, a bibliography, and additional resources further strengthen this thought-provoking title."--Booklist