What does "blended sentencing" refer to?

Blended sentencing refers to the practice of applying a combination of juvenile and adult sanctions within the sentencing framework. This concept is typically used in cases that involve youthful offenders who may have committed serious crimes, allowing the legal system to impose a sentence that reflects both the nature of their actions and their age.

By using blended sentencing, judges can impose part of the sentence in a juvenile facility and part in an adult correctional facility or assign other adult penalties, which allows for a tailored approach to rehabilitation. This method acknowledges that young offenders may require different treatment compared to adults due to their developmental stage while simultaneously emphasizing accountability for their actions.

The other options do not accurately describe the concept of blended sentencing. Combinations of probation and parole focus on management after sentencing rather than the sentencing process itself. Restorative justice programs emphasize repairing harm and reconciling relationships rather than blending sentences across juvenile and adult systems. Strategies specific to adult offenders do not consider the nuances of juvenile justice, which is a critical element in blended sentencing.