Final answer:
Rehabilitation programs (option a) are designed to solve the underlying problems of delinquency and crime by addressing individual circumstances that may lead to criminal behavior, and are more effective than punitive measures in reducing recidivism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options provided, rehabilitation programs (option a) focus on solving the underlying problems of delinquency and crime. Rehabilitation aims to transform an offender into a law-abiding citizen through various methods such as therapy, educational programs, and vocational training. It operates on the premise that addressing the root causes of crime, such as substance abuse or lack of skills and education, can lead to a decrease in future criminal behavior, thereby reducing recidivism. On the other hand, incarceration serves as a means to remove criminals from the community to prevent further crimes but does not inherently focus on addressing underlying problems. Deterrence aims to prevent crimes by emphasizing the consequences of committing a crime, using potential punishment to dissuade individuals. Lastly, restorative justice involves the offender, the victim, and the community in a process aiming to repair harm caused by the crime, while also seeking to integrate the offender back into society.