Final answer:
The social worker should recommend placing the youth in a secure residential facility only if community safety is at risk. Emphasis is on rehabilitation and alternatives to incarceration for juveniles, which have been shown to reduce recidivism and offer a series of benefits over punitive measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario provided, a social worker evaluates a youth who has been arrested for armed robbery and has a history of drug-related offenses. After assessment, it is critical to consider multiple factors before recommending placement in a secure residential facility. However, such a recommendation should be made only if C. the safety and welfare of the community are at risk. This emphasizes the importance of community protection over punitive action for repeat offenses or family willingness to provide a home environment.
Rehabilitation through therapy, counseling, and vocational programs is generally supported because it helps reduce recidivism and is more effective than incarceration, especially for juveniles. Incarceration of juveniles can be detrimental, often leading to an increase in future criminal behavior. Diversion programs and providing additional economic opportunities have shown to be more effective alternatives. Moreover, restorative justice programs can be a cost-effective way of addressing crime, offering high victim satisfaction and a modest reduction in re-offending without the high costs associated with traditional criminal justice processing.