Which disposition may be given for a serious offense committed by a juvenile?

A disposition of detention for a period of time is appropriate for serious offenses committed by a juvenile because it serves multiple purposes within the juvenile justice system. Detention emphasizes accountability for actions while providing a structured environment where the juvenile can receive the necessary supervision and intervention. This option allows the court to impose consequences that reflect the severity of the offense, while still focusing on rehabilitation.

Given the nature of serious offenses, such a disposition can also act as a deterrent to the juvenile and others in the community about the seriousness of criminal behavior. It may also provide an opportunity for the youth to participate in rehabilitative programs while in detention, addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to their criminal actions.

The other options, while they can also be part of a juvenile's repercussions, typically align more with less serious offenses or are often used in conjunction with other dispositions rather than as standalone consequences for serious criminal behavior. Hence, they are less suited to address the gravity of the situation presented by a serious offense.