I guess what I'm saying is that it often shouldn't be an either/or situation.
Well it is, more then we like. (I don't mean this to be offensive). It is a great question because many kids face the problem. I would love to have a survey done that showed how many kids had the choice between juvie and a program. Boy, I think it would be interesting.
I know many folks here have a hard time with children being disciplined for their actions, well whether we like it or not folks, judges, PO's, school boards, have a hand at disciplining a wayward child. There are wayward children also that get themselves in way over their heads in trouble.
No I don't believe that the juvie I went to was better then Elan. The violence being dolled out by guards, (guards pets boys), bullies, gangs ect...was horrible. YCC in R.I. was out of control in the early seventies.
I have visited several juvenile centers in Georgia and the violence is still there, intimidation by others, gangs, sexual deviancy, drugs ect....