Minor in Juvenile Justice
Redirecting paths, unveiling purpose and promoting change.
Start promoting justice and responsibility to a younger crowd — a crowd that is still deciding who they will become. A crowd whose decisions now can impact their life forever. Be a guiding force that points to the path of prevention, intervention, rehabilitation, and change for the better.
Through the William Woods University juvenile justice minor you will gain a better understanding of the criminal justice system through the lens of minors, adolescents and families, studying topics in family law, crime victimization, child abuse and neglect, different types of juvenile offenses, enforcement procedures, detention, probation and intervention programs.
The Juvenile Justice minor is a great supplement to a bachelor’s degree in legal studies, social work, English, criminal justice, education, ASL interpretation, and more.
Requirements/Curriculum
The Minor in juvenile justice at William Woods University includes 15 required course credits and 3 required elective credits.
Courses you may take
CMJ 110 - Introduction to Criminal Justice -S - 3.00
This introductory course will examine crime in America with a focus on the role of police, courts, and correctional institutions. Students will consider the balance between freedom and security issues and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the American justice system as it adapts to cultural, political, and societal changes.
PRL 315 - Family Law - 3.00
A study of the law of marriage, annulment, dissolution, guardianship, adoption, custody, legitimacy of children, and issues within the juvenile courts, with emphasis on development of skills pertinent to the paralegal function. Prerequisites: PLS110 and PRL304
SWK 273 - Crime Victimization in America - 3.00
This course focuses on issues unique to individuals and groups that have been victimized by violent crime. Course content includes examination of the victim's historical role within the criminal justice system, the victim's movement, and current issues most relevant to victims and service delivery. Theoretical consideration and practice interventions are examined in relation to specific crimes and vulnerable populations. In conjunction with area agencies, students develop a community project to be implemented during National Crime Victims Rights Week.
SWK 340 - Child Abuse and Neglect - 3.00
This course presents an in-depth examination of the dynamics of, relationship between, and causes of child abuse and neglect. Family roles and their subsequent consequences are analyzed. This course builds on practice skills in identification and intervention with families in which child abuse and neglect occur. Special attention is given to substance abuse and domestic violence and how they impact child abuse and neglect.
SWK 406 - Working with Juvenile Offenders - 3.00
An overview of causes and types of offenses by juveniles and an exploration of the legal issues and enforcement procedures in the short-term detention and long-term incarceration of juveniles. Prevention programs such as Juvenile Court, legal system intervention programs and services, court ordered probation, detention, group home care, institutional care and community programs (community service, restitution and social skill development) are all examined as responses to juvenile offending.