what does this mean?

It takes a village to raise a child

What impact does this have on juvenile justice system?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Takes_A_Village

You can find more references if you Google "it takes a village" (including the quotation marks).

So, if it "takes a village" to raise a child, is the entire village responsible if the kid turns out to be a serial killer?? or is the kid to be held responsible for his own actions?

??

In addition to the fine references posted by Writeacher, I'd like to throw my two cents in. In a village or a close neighborhood, most adults will correct a misbehaving child or tell his/her parents. Children know they're being watched and according to this theory, will be better behaved. The broader implication is that we should all work together to raise our world's children.

The saying "It takes a village to raise a child" is a popular phrase that emphasizes the idea that it is not just the responsibility of parents or caregivers to raise a child, but rather the entire community or society. It suggests that the upbringing and well-being of a child is a collective effort.

The impact of this concept on the juvenile justice system can be interpreted in different ways. On one hand, if the community takes an active role in supporting and guiding children, it may lead to a decrease in juvenile delinquency and involvement in the criminal justice system. The idea is that if children are surrounded by positive role models, mentorship, and support, they are less likely to engage in criminal activities.

On the other hand, if a child does end up involved in the juvenile justice system, the concept of "It takes a village" may influence how individuals and communities perceive responsibility. While individuals may differ in their views, the focus would typically be on holding the child accountable for their actions while also recognizing that the community's influence and support could have played a role in their upbringing.

It is important to note that the specific implications and interpretations of this concept may vary, and different communities and societies may have different approaches to addressing juvenile justice issues.