What is a common issue regarding the Purpose and Policy Conflict in juvenile justice?

The tension between law enforcement and social work goals highlights a significant issue in the juvenile justice system. This conflict arises because law enforcement often focuses on maintaining public safety and enforcing the law, while social workers prioritize rehabilitation and addressing the underlying issues that lead to juvenile delinquency.

When these two perspectives clash, it can complicate case handling and decision-making. For instance, law enforcement may lean towards punitive measures, which can exacerbate a juvenile's situation and hinder their rehabilitation. Meanwhile, social workers advocate for supportive interventions that aim to promote positive behaviors and reintegration into society. This divergence can create challenges in creating cohesive policies that adequately address the needs of juveniles, ultimately impacting the effectiveness of the justice system.

While the other options touch on problems within the juvenile justice system, they do not specifically illustrate the conflict between the foundational goals of law enforcement and social work. Inconsistent sentencing, high recidivism rates, and lack of resources are indeed critical issues, but they stem from broader systemic challenges rather than the direct conflict between the roles of law enforcement and social workers.