What is the focus of specific deterrence in juvenile justice?

The focus of specific deterrence in juvenile justice is indeed to prevent repeat offenses through secure incarceration. This approach aims to prevent an individual juvenile delinquent from committing future acts of delinquency by imposing consequences for their previous actions. The underlying idea is that by experiencing the repercussions of their behavior in a structured environment, such as a secure facility, the youth will be deterred from re-offending.

Specific deterrence targets the behaviors of those individuals who have already engaged in delinquent activities, emphasizing the need to ensure that they do not continue down the path of crime. The experience of incarceration is intended to instill a recognition of the seriousness of their actions, which ideally leads to behavioral change.

Other options, while relevant to juvenile justice, do not capture the essence of specific deterrence as effectively. Rehabilitation through community programs, societal education, and encouraging better choices align more closely with broader strategies of crime prevention and youth development rather than the specific aim of deterring individuals from repeating offenses through the consequences of their past actions.