What is the primary purpose of assessments in the juvenile justice system?

The primary purpose of assessments in the juvenile justice system is to evaluate the needs, risks, and strengths of youth. This approach emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of a juvenile's background, psychological state, and behavioral patterns, which is crucial for tailoring interventions and support services. Assessments help professionals identify various factors that might contribute to a juvenile's behavior, such as family dynamics, mental health issues, or social influences. By gathering this information, the system can develop a more effective, individualized plan that addresses the specific challenges the juvenile faces while promoting their strengths. This holistic approach is key to rehabilitation and reducing recidivism, as it encourages constructive development rather than solely focusing on punitive measures.

The other options focus on different functions of the juvenile justice system, such as determining legal status or gathering evidence for court, but these are secondary to the primary goal of understanding and addressing the youth’s needs to facilitate positive outcomes.