Judy Mann

Many critics of the juvenile justice system believe that prevention, rather than punishment, is the key to reducing juvenile crime. Proponents believe that early intervention programs can steer juveniles away from delinquency and reduce their chances of becoming hardened criminals. In the following viewpoint, Judy Mann emphasizes the importance of early intervention and after-school programs in preventing juvenile crime. She also describes the higher academic success rate of students involved in after-school and community programs compared with students who are not involved in such activities. Mann is a metro columnist with the Washington Post.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What does Mann describe as the bedrock philosophy of the Fight Crime: Invest in Kids organization?
2. What are three dimensions of the Invest-in-Kids plan?
3. How, according to Mann, does...