After completing my degree requirements I would like to find work as a juvenile officer. Those already working in this career include people with years of experience in juvenile corrections and/or those with four-year degrees in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work. They generally have good verbal and written communication skills. Juvenile officers also must possess the skills necessary to multitask and work efficiently despite a large caseload.
A juvenile officer’s work is not only limited to supervising clients and establishing completion requirements for probation. They arrest and detain juveniles who may be charged with criminal offenses and provide and explain the alleged offender’s legal rights. The juvenile officer also places delinquent juveniles in detention centers. They respond to on-call or daily referrals made by law enforcement agencies, schools, or the department of social services. Daily duties may involve preparing petitions, motions, social and court summaries, and other reports. They monitor the juvenile by making regular onsite visits to the client’s school and home in addition to conducting informal conferences with parents. The juvenile officer also presents cases and makes recommendations to the court. Juvenile officers are expected to physically control juveniles acting out and handle potentially hostile situations with the juvenile and family.
I would like to start my career soon after I graduate in December 2007. I have majored in Corrections and Juvenile Delinquency to fulfill the education requirements for the position. However, I do understand that I may have to work in a lower level position in juvenile corrections before I may be considered qualified. In order to achieve my goal I will probably try to gain employment at a juvenile correctional facility as staff and as new positions become available, I will apply for those job opportunities. I will also apply for job opportunities in adult probation and parole because I know that experience is necessary to be successful in any criminal justice or legal profession. I plan to work my way up the ranks of juvenile officers and play and integral part in whatever agency I work for.
I have already completed a practicum for my degree at Buchanan County Academy (BCA). BCA is a detention center and school for juvenile offenders in Buchanan County. I feel that my experience there has given me a good introduction to the juvenile justice field. It also gave me the opportunity to work closely with juvenile offenders. After completing my first practicum, I felt much more comfortable with the career goals I have chosen for myself. Next fall, I plan to complete my second practicum at another juvenile facility.
The main reason that I want to become a juvenile officer is because I want to make a difference. It may not be world changing but I think I can make a positive impact on the juvenile justice field. Children are the future of this country and in order to make that future the best that it can be, juvenile delinquency must be addressed and there must be competent, responsible people in the roles of juvenile officers. I hope to be a part of the creation and implementation of new programs and strategies. I love to problem-solve and see issues from all perspectives. I think that is important when dealing with juvenile offenders, parents, and victims. I believe I have what it takes to be successful in this field and I am excited about starting my career.
Reference:
- If you would like to learn more about juvenile justice and related careers… www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org/
