What is one primary concern for the juvenile justice system?

The primary concern for the juvenile justice system revolves around balancing community safety with the rehabilitation of youth. The juvenile justice system is fundamentally designed to address the unique needs of young offenders rather than solely assigning punishment, which is more characteristic of adult systems.

The focus is on rehabilitation because juveniles are still in a developmental phase of life. Their behavior can often be influenced by various factors, including environment, education, and family dynamics. Therefore, by prioritizing rehabilitation, the system aims to provide the necessary support and interventions that can guide juveniles toward positive behavior changes, ultimately reducing recidivism.

Ensuring community safety remains a critical component of this balance. The system recognizes the importance of protecting the community while also fostering the growth and positive reintegration of juvenile offenders. This dual approach helps to create a healthier society by addressing the root causes of delinquency and providing juveniles with opportunities for reform, rather than just confining them for their actions.

The other options suggest a more punitive approach or an unrealistic goal of completely eliminating juvenile crime, which does not align with the rehabilitative objectives that underpin the philosophy of the juvenile justice system.