Exam 34: Child Saving Movement in Illinois From the Child Savers: the Invention of Delinquency, Anthony Mplatt

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The "childsavers" were a group of reformers in the 19th century who sought to address the issue of juvenile deviance and delinquency. They believed that children who engaged in deviant behavior were not inherently bad, but rather were victims of their environment and circumstances. The childsavers advocated for the creation of special institutions and programs to rehabilitate and educate these children, rather than punishing them as adults.

Their impact on how society handled juvenile deviance was significant. They were instrumental in the creation of the juvenile justice system, which aimed to provide a more rehabilitative and individualized approach to young offenders. This led to the establishment of juvenile courts, probation systems, and reform schools, which focused on addressing the root causes of juvenile delinquency and providing support and guidance to troubled youth.

According to Platt, the benefits of the childsavers' work included a shift towards a more compassionate and understanding approach to juvenile deviance. They emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying issues that led to delinquent behavior, rather than simply punishing the child. This led to the development of more effective and humane methods of dealing with troubled youth, and ultimately helped to reduce recidivism rates and improve outcomes for juvenile offenders.

However, there were also consequences of their work. Some critics argue that the childsavers' approach may have been too lenient, and that it failed to hold young offenders accountable for their actions. Additionally, the creation of the juvenile justice system led to the stigmatization and institutionalization of many young people, particularly those from marginalized communities. This raised concerns about the potential for abuse and mistreatment within these institutions.

Overall, the impact of the childsavers on how society handled juvenile deviance was complex. While their efforts led to important reforms and a more compassionate approach to young offenders, there were also unintended consequences that raised important ethical and practical concerns.