Children Live by Example

{text:bookmark-start} {text:bookmark-end} Running head: CHILDREN LEARN BY EXAMPLE {text:bookmark-start} {text:bookmark-end} Children Live by Example {text:bookmark-start} {text:bookmark-end} Robyn Dean {text:bookmark-start} {text:bookmark-end} Kaplan University A juvenile is able to break the law in one of two ways. One is to commit an unlawful act that is illegal regardless of age. These are exemplified with murder, shoplifting, robbery, burglary, and manslaughter to name a few. The other type of delinquent behavior is only criminal because the offender is under age. These delinquents are referred to as status offenders. Examples of these acts are skipping school, alcohol use or possession, and staying out past curfew. This is based on the theory of parens patriae, the courts can take over where parents fail. This is the main reason why status offenders should not be treated as criminals (Findlaw, 2008). Many courts are moving away from confinement of status offenders. This is a better approach as often juveniles only learn how to be better criminals. Many times courts utilize many other resources in the attempt of correcting the behavior. They may have truancy officers accompany the child to and from school to ensure their attendance. They may establish a court order mandating attendance or suffering confinement. These children are referred to as Children or Persons in need. If we confine children, who skip school with children who rob convenience stores the status offender may discover that instant illegal gratification is obtainable. These status offenders may in turn become delinquents (Findlaw, 2008). When children continue to skip school or run away from home, the first thing that must be done is an in-home investigation. Often times this may resolve the issue. It needs to be determined if the child is acting out due to the lack of supervision or despite the parental involvement. If it is determined that the behavior is occurring even though the...