Final answer:
The statement is True; the parens patriae philosophy in the juvenile court emphasizes treating and guiding young individuals toward rehabilitation rather than subjecting them to punitive measures akin to those in the adult criminal justice system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the parens patriae philosophy of the juvenile court charges the court with treating rather than punishing youngsters appearing before juvenile judges is True. The parens patriae doctrine grants the state the power to act as a guardian for those who are unable to care for themselves, such as minors or individuals with mental incapacities.
In the context of the juvenile justice system, this philosophy fosters an approach focused on rehabilitation rather than strict punishment. The goal is to guide and treat the youth so they can reintegrate into society as responsible citizens, rather than to subject them to the harsh penalties typical of adult criminal courts.