Glt2 Task 3

When it comes to determining what age a child can understand the difference between right and wrong, I think it is determined by the individual child and the way they were raised. In general, I think a child as young as 6 or 7 can fully understand the difference between right and wrong. However, I do not think at that age they understand the consequences of their actions, therefore they should not be held accountable for their actions. Just because a child knows the difference between right and wrong, I think they lack mens rea. A developing mind is not complete until around age 25. However, by the time an adolescence reaches about 16, they should fully understand their actions. Personally, I think if a juvenile is not old enough to vote or move out of their family’s homes, then they should not be held accountable as an adult. How can the state say they are not legally an adult by law, but hold them accountable as an adult in courts eye. Therefore, I think a child should be held completely accountable for their actions after they turn 18, prior to that they should …show more content…
I would attempt to offer support by directing the offender to the best options to receive the best care necessary to assure they do not reoffend. It would also take a hands on approach. They would need frequent visits and counseling. It would be important to not allow them to fall through the cracks, therefore monitoring would be key. In order to be successful I think it would take a joint effort between the officer, mental health and community programing, Evidence based programming, regular sessions with a mental health physician, group and individual counseling and Dialectical behavior therapy would be essential. With my experience with the mentally ill, they all seem to be successful if utilized