Section 3: Juvenile and Criminal Justice

Gavel on court desk

The Juvenile and Criminal Justice section of Project Outreach is designed to provide students with experience in and knowledge of the criminal justice system. The course consists of a field placement, a lecture series, and group discussions. Students work with juveniles or adults in field placements including the Forensic Center, Washtenaw County Jail, and others. The lecture series is intended to expose students to issues relevant to juvenile delinquency and criminal justice, such as the influences of sexism and racism on incarceration, the antecedents of delinquent and criminal behavior, the prison-industrial complex, and the intersection of mental illness and criminality. It is our hope that you will not only learn about the system but also have the opportunity to reach out to youth and adults and have a positive impact on their lives.

Lectures and discussions for this section occur on Thursdays from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

The goals of this section are:

  • To enhance students’ awareness of current issues facing adolescents and adults who are involved in the criminal justice system.
  • To allow students to explore and develop their roles as mentors, supporters, and role models.
  • To encourage learning and increase self-esteem in the youths and adults at the filed placements.

Requirements:

  1. Attendance at lectures and small group discussions, two hours per week
  2. Discussion participation
  3. Responsible participation in placements, four hours per week
  4. Completion of a weekly journal
  5. Class exam

Transportation: M-Bus, AATA,  personal vehicle or an Outreach vehicle.

Placement Sites:

Please don’t miss the first class of the semester! During this class there will be a presentation about each site and students will choose which site they would like to attend.

All sites require proof of a negative TB test (see Psych 211 Information tab) and a DHS (Department of Human Services) clearance. The University of Michigan requires students enrolled in this section to complete a background check prior to going to site.  Please watch for an email from: U-M_Human_Resources@geninfo.com requesting information. The request is only valid for 7 days after which it expires. Please check your junk folder, the initial email may go there.