Juvenile justice careers involve working with young people facing criminal charges. Common careers include judge, attorney, probation officer, and counselor. Educational and professional experience requirements vary.
There are many different types of careers in juvenile justice. An individual who wants to pursue a career in this field will usually have a general interest in working in the justice system. In addition, there may be a particular desire to work primarily with young people facing criminal charges. Some common juvenile justice careers include a judge, a juvenile court attorney, a juvenile probation officer, and a counselor.
A career in juvenile justice will include working closely with troubled youth in a variety of different contexts. The juvenile justice system was established as a means of disciplining underage individuals who commit crimes but who are not old enough to be tried as adults; a juvenile crime is punishable under a different set of laws. The age criteria to distinguish an individual as a juvenile vary by region. Individuals who wish to pursue a career in juvenile justice will need to be well-versed in juvenile criminal law.
Judges have one of the highest careers in the juvenile justice system. This career choice includes presiding over juvenile criminal cases and deciding on the best course of punishment for these crimes. A juvenile judge may have a special interest in the rehabilitation of minors. To become a judge, a college degree and some form of graduate school, including a law degree, will usually be required.
After being accused of a crime, a lawyer may be one of the first people a troubled youth can contact for help. A lawyer can represent a young person and speak on her behalf when going before a judge in a court of law. At least a bachelor’s degree will be required to become a lawyer, and often postgraduate degrees form part of the course of study as well. In addition to lawyers, juvenile court careers may be possible.
Freedom, within limitations, may be granted to a juvenile guilty of committing a crime by being placed on parole. These restrictions will be monitored by a juvenile probation officer. These probation officers will supervise and monitor a youth’s activities and the youth, in return, will have to report to the probation officer at specified times. An associate’s degree, certification, and an amount of experience in criminology, juvenile justice, and correctional administration may be required to become a probation officer.
Juvenile justice careers may also include counselors. A counselor may be assigned to a youth in trouble with the law to learn more about all aspects of the individual’s life, as well as their general emotional and mental health. Typically, an individual in this career will have a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Many counselors are licensed and may work alongside a bailiff to oversee the welfare of a paroled youth.
The work environment for careers in juvenile justice can vary. Some careers, such as a judge or juvenile attorney, may involve working primarily in a courtroom. Other career options, such as a counselor, may mean working in an environment such as a detention facility. Some high school degree is typically required for many juvenile justice careers. Educational and professional experience requirements should be researched in advance when pursuing a career in juvenile justice.
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