What is one disadvantage of incarceration for juvenile offenders?

Incarceration for juvenile offenders can have significant negative consequences, one of which is that it may increase the likelihood of recidivism. When juveniles are placed in a correctional facility, they become part of an environment that may expose them to negative influences, including other delinquent peers. This exposure can reinforce criminal behavior and lead to a sense of normalization around crime.

Additionally, the experience of incarceration can disrupt a young person's social development, educational trajectory, and access to family support, exacerbating issues that contributed to their initial offense. These experiences can make reintegration into society more difficult and lead to a higher probability of reoffending as they may lack the necessary skills and support systems to make positive choices upon release.

In contrast, while there are benefits associated with security and structure in some forms of incarceration, the overall negative impact it can have on a juvenile’s future behavior, particularly the risk of recidivism, is a crucial disadvantage that is well-documented in criminal justice studies.