JUVENILE

DELINQUENCY
• Juvenile delinquency is the participation by a minor
child, usually between the ages of 10 and 17, in illegal
behavior or activities. Juvenile delinquency is also used
to refer to children who exhibit a persistent behavior of
mischievousness or disobedience, so as to be
considered out of parental control, becoming subject to
legal action by the court system. Juvenile delinquency is
also known as “juvenile offending,” and each state has
a separate legal system in place to deal with juveniles
who break the law. To explore this concept, consider the
following juvenile
• Definition of Juvenile Delinquency
1.noun. The behavior of a minor child that is marked by
criminal activities, persistent antisocial behavior, or
disobedience which the child’s parents are unable to
control.
2. noun. A violation of the law by a minor, which is not
punishable by death or life imprisonment.
• Origin 1810-1820
• What is Juvenile Delinquency
• Juvenile delinquency occurs when a minor violates a
criminal statue. When a juvenile commits a crime, the
procedures that take place differ from those of an adult
offender. In all states, juvenile court systems, and
juvenile detention facilities, deal specifically with
underage offenders. While it is common for state
statutes to consider people under the age of 17 as
minors, the justice system can charge minors even
younger as adults, if the crime committed is very
serious.
• Juvenile Delinquents
• Juvenile delinquents are often defined as children
between the ages of 10 and 17 who have committed a
criminal act. There are two main types of offenders:
repeat offenders and age specific offenders.
• Repeat Offenders
• Repeat offenders are also known as “life-course
persistent offenders.” These juvenile delinquents begin
offending or showing other signs of antisocial behavior
during adolescence. Repeat offenders continue to
engage in criminal activities or aggressive behaviors
even after they enter adulthood.
• Age-Specific Offenders
• This type of juvenile delinquent behavior begins during
adolescence. Unlike the repeat offenders however, the
behaviors of the age-specific offender ends before the minor
becomes an adult.
The behaviors that a juvenile shows during adolescence are
often a good indicator of the type of offender he will become.
While age-specific offenders leave their delinquent behavior
behind when they enter adulthood, they often have more
mental health problems, engage in substance abuse, and
have greater financial problems than adults who were never
delinquent as juveniles.
Risk Factors and Predictors of Juvenile
Delinquency

• Many children garner the label of juvenile delinquent

early, often between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Many
juvenile behaviors during the pre-teen and teenage
years may be considered normal behavior for children,
as they stretch their boundaries, and struggle to
develop their self perception. There are, however,
certain signs that a child might be headed in a bad
direction.
Predictors of juvenile delinquencies may appear as early
as preschool, and often include:
• Abnormal or slow development of basic skills, such as
speech and language
• Chronic violation of the rules
• Serious aggressive behavior toward other students or
teachers
• Studies have found that a number of life circumstances
constitute risk factors for a child to become a juvenile
delinquent. While these are many and varied, the most
common risk factors for juvenile delinquency include:
• Authoritarian Parenting – characterized by the use of
harsh disciplinary methods, and refusal to justify
disciplinary actions, other than by saying “because I
said so.”
• Peer Association – usually resulting from leaving
adolescents unsupervised, encouraging a child to
engage in bad behaviors when acting with his peer
group.
• Low Socioeconomic Status
• Permissive Parenting – characterized by lack of consequences for bad
behavior, permissive parenting can be broken down into two
subcategories: (1) neglectful parenting, which is a lack of monitoring a
child’s activities, and (2) indulgent parenting, which is the enablement
of bad behavior.
• Poor School Performance
• Peer Rejection
• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a
neurodevelopmental disorder that often begins in childhood and can
continue into adulthood. It is characterized by patterns of inattention,
hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can interfere with daily functioning
and development. Though often discussed separately, ADHD
frequently coexists with other mental health disorders, which can
complicate diagnosis and treatment.
Dealing with Juvenile
Delinquency
• The procedures followed in the juvenile justice system differ
greatly from those followed for adult offenders. Each state has
specific programs or systems that deal with juvenile offenders.
Juvenile offenders come into police contact in number of ways.
Some are caught committing a crime and arrested, others are
referred to police by parents or school officials. Once the police
have become involved, they may choose to deal with a juvenile
offender in several ways. The police can:
• issue a warning and release of the minor
• detain the minor and notify the parents to pick him up
• refer the case to juvenile court
• arrest the minor and refer the case to juvenile court
• If the case goes to court, the minor and the parents meet with
a juvenile court intake officer. The intake officer can handle
the case informally, referring the juvenile to a probation
officer, he can dismiss the case, or he can file formal charges.
When deciding whether to file charges, officers often consider:
• the offense
• the offender’s age
• the offender’s previous record
• the offender’s educational or social history
• the ability of the parents to control the offender’s behavior or
seek help
• If dealt with informally, the minor reports to a probation
officer, and is given advice and ordered to perform
community service, pay fines, attend treatment, or
enter probation.
• If charges are filed in juvenile court, the minor is
arraigned, at which time his charges are read before a
judge. The judge then decides whether to detain or
release the juvenile until the hearing takes place. After
appearing in court, three things are possible:
• Plea Agreement – the minor may enter a plea
agreement with the court. This often requires the
juvenile to comply with certain conditions, such as
attending counseling, obeying a curfew, or paying
restitution.
2. Diversion – the judge may divert the case, which
means he retains control over the matter until the
juvenile successfully completes treatment programs or
performs community services. If the juvenile fails to
comply, formal charges may be reinstated.
• Adjudicatory Hearing – the judge may decide to have
an adjudicatory hearing, which is a trial in a juvenile
case. While both sides argue the case and present
evidence, a juvenile trial takes place in front of a judge,
not a jury. If, at the end of the hearing, the judge
decides the juvenile is delinquent, he may order
punishments such as probation, community service, or
even detention in a juvenile center.
• Preventing Juvenile Delinquency
• Prevention of juvenile delinquency serves at-risk youths, their
families, and the public, as it can put a stop to the transition of
juvenile offenders to adult offenders. Prevention services are
offered by a number of government and private agencies, and
include such services as:
• Substance Abuse Treatment
• Family Counseling
• Individual Counseling
• Parenting Education
• Family Planning Services
• The availability of education, and encouragement of minors
in obtaining an education, plays a large role in prevention
of juvenile delinquency. This is because education promotes
social cohesion, and helps children of all ages learn to
make good choices, and to practice self-control.
• The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
(“OJJDP”) is just one agency that sinks resources into
researching juvenile delinquency, and providing both
prevention and rehabilitation programs. The agency also
works toward reducing under-age substance abuse, and
gang influence on minors.
• Juvenile Delinquency Statistics
• Many organizations, including the OJJDP, study juvenile delinquency, and
report compiled data in order to learn what contributes to the issue of juvenile
delinquency. Some of the latest juvenile delinquency statistics include:
• In 2012, police arrested 182 violent juvenile offenders for every 100,000
juveniles.
• The peak age for offending falls between 15 and 19 years of age
• 52% to 57% of juvenile offenders continue offending into their mid-20s
• By age 30, only 16% to 19% of juvenile delinquents continue to offend
• If a juvenile starts offending before the age of 12, he is more likely to continue
offending into adulthood
• The average onset of gang involvement is 16 years of age
• The average onset of drug use is 16 to 17 years of age
• Juvenile Delinquent Turns His Life Around
• Youth engaging in illegal behavior is a rampant issue,
though most of those juvenile delinquents manage to
turn their lives around, and become a productive and
happy member of society.
• Actor Mark Wahlberg grew up one of nine children in a
three-bedroom apartment. Though successful in today’s
world, he had his fair share of trouble with the law as a
minor. At the age of 14, Wahlberg joined a gang, and
remained on law enforcement’s radar until he was
locked up at the age of 16, with offenses such as drug
dealing and assault. Wahlberg had attacked two men,
blinding one. Having been originally charged with
attempted murder, the charges were later reduced to
criminal contempt, for which Wahlberg served only 45
days in a correctional facility.
• After being discharged from the correctional facility,
Wahlberg decided to follow in the shoes of his older
brother, Donnie, who had earned fame as part of “The
New Kids on the Block.” Mark Wahlberg got a record
contract heading up the musical group “Marky Mark and
the Funky Bunch,” and put his life back on course.
• Wahlberg now has a family with four children, and lives a
life dedicated to them, as well as to a number of charity
causes. Wahlberg’s 1993 debut into acting has seen him
become one of the most popular actors in and he has a
long list of TV and big screen credits to his name.
Juvenile probation
• Juvenile probation is a legal mechanism that allows minors who have
been found delinquent or have broken the law to remain in their
communities rather than being incarcerated. It’s the most common
disposition in juvenile court and is designed to balance accountability,
rehabilitation, and community safety. Here’s an overview of how
juvenile probation works and its primary goals:
• Purpose of Juvenile Probation
• Rehabilitation Over Punishment: The juvenile justice system focuses on
helping young offenders learn from their mistakes and avoid future legal
issues. Probation emphasizes treatment, skill development, and support
rather than punitive measures.
• Accountability: Juvenile probation holds young people accountable for
their actions, requiring them to follow specific conditions, such as obeying
laws, attending school, and participating in community service.
• Community Safety: Probation officers work to monitor youth in the
community, ensuring they adhere to probation terms, thus helping to
protect the public and reduce recidivism.
• Common Conditions of Juvenile Probation
• Meeting with a Probation Officer: Youth on probation are often required to meet regularly
with a probation officer who monitors their behavior and compliance.
• Attending School or Work: Probation typically includes a requirement to attend school or
have some form of productive activity, such as employment or vocational training.
• Counseling or Therapy: Many probation programs require participants to attend individual,
family, or group therapy to address issues such as substance use, mental health concerns,
anger management, or trauma.
• Community Service: Some probation programs include community service to encourage
youth to make positive contributions and develop a sense of responsibility.
• Curfew and Restrictions on Associations: There may be limits on what time they can be out
and who they can associate with, particularly if they have a history of gang involvement or
negative peer influences.
• Role of the Probation Officer
• Probation officers play a critical role in the juvenile probation process.
They monitor compliance with probation conditions, offer guidance,
connect youth and their families with community resources, and
address issues as they arise.
• They often work closely with schools, social service agencies, and
families to create a network of support around the youth.
• Juvenile Probation vs. Adult Probation
• Focus on Rehabilitation: Juvenile probation emphasizes helping youth
reform and develop into productive citizens. Adult probation, while
also aiming to reduce recidivism, focuses more on monitoring
behavior and adherence to legal standards.
• Supportive Measures: Juvenile probation programs usually
incorporate educational support, counseling, and mentoring, aiming
to address underlying issues contributing to delinquency.
• Outcomes and Success Factors
• Family Involvement: Youth are more likely to succeed on probation
when family members are engaged and supportive.
• Community Programs and Resources: Access to community
programs, educational support, and job training can make a big
difference in the effectiveness of probation.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment: When mental health
and addiction issues are adequately addressed, youth are more likely
to avoid reoffending.
• Challenges in Juvenile Probation
• Lack of Resources: Not all communities have the necessary resources to
provide quality mental health, educational, or vocational programs for
youth on probation.
• Overburdened Probation Officers: High caseloads can make it
challenging for probation officers to provide adequate attention and
support to each youth on their roster.
• Risk of Recidivism: Without proper support, young people may struggle
to meet probation requirements or reoffend, highlighting the
importance of individualized treatment and comprehensive support
systems.
• Alternatives to Traditional Juvenile Probation
• Diversion Programs: Some jurisdictions offer diversion programs that
avoid formal probation or court involvement, focusing on
rehabilitative services for low-risk offenders.
• Restorative Justice Programs: These programs allow young offenders
to make amends to victims and their communities, promoting
accountability in a constructive way.
• Intensive Probation Supervision (IPS): IPS is used for higher-risk
juveniles, involving frequent check-ins with probation officers, more
structure, and closer monitoring.
juvenile reformatories
• Juvenile reformatories, also known as youth detention centers,
training schools, or juvenile correctional facilities, are institutions
where minors are sent after being adjudicated delinquent or found
guilty of serious offenses. Historically, reformatories were created to
separate young offenders from the adult prison population and to
offer a structured environment focused on rehabilitation. However,
the effectiveness and ethical implications of juvenile reformatories
have been widely debated, with current practices increasingly
focusing on alternatives to detention.
• . Purpose of Juvenile Reformatories
• Rehabilitation and Education: The goal of juvenile reformatories is to
rehabilitate rather than punish. Programs often include schooling,
vocational training, and behavioral therapies to help youth reintegrate
into society.
• Accountability and Public Safety: Reformatories aim to hold youth
accountable for their actions while ensuring community safety by
isolating high-risk offenders when necessary.
• Structured Environment: Many reformatories provide a highly
structured environment where youth have a set daily routine, learn
discipline, and are required to follow strict rules.
• 2. Programs and Services Offered
• Educational Programs: Most reformatories provide schooling, allowing youth to
continue their education. This can include GED programs, high school classes,
and, in some cases, college courses.
• Vocational Training: Vocational programs teach practical skills, such as
woodworking, mechanics, or culinary arts, to help youth build job-related skills
for after their release.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment: Reformatories often offer
counseling, therapy, and substance abuse treatment to address the underlying
issues that may contribute to delinquent behavior.
• Life Skills Training: Programs often focus on teaching life skills such as anger
management, communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making.
• Criticisms and Challenges of Juvenile Reformatories
• Overcrowding and Limited Resources: Many reformatories are underfunded, leading to
overcrowding and limited access to mental health services, educational programs, or
adequately trained staff.
• Isolation and Trauma: Spending time in a correctional facility can be isolating and may
contribute to trauma, particularly if youth are exposed to violence, abuse, or lack of
support in the facility.
• Risk of Recidivism: Studies have shown that juvenile reformatories do not always reduce
recidivism. Without strong rehabilitation programs and post-release support, youth are
at risk of reoffending.
• Punitive Environments: Despite the focus on rehabilitation, some reformatories still
maintain punitive approaches, which can worsen mental health issues, promote
aggressive behavior, and make reintegration more challenging.
• 4. Alternatives to Juvenile Reformatories
• Many jurisdictions are moving away from traditional reformatories in favor of community-
based programs and alternative approaches. Here are some common alternatives:
• Community Supervision and Probation: Rather than placing youth in reformatories, judges
may opt for probation or intensive supervision within the community, combined with support
services.
• Diversion Programs: These programs are designed to prevent minors from entering the
juvenile justice system by offering counseling, mentorship, and rehabilitation services as an
alternative to formal adjudication.
• Restorative Justice Programs: Restorative justice allows youth to make amends to victims and
their community, emphasizing accountability and reconciliation over punishment.
• Group Homes and Residential Treatment Centers: These settings provide a more supportive
environment than reformatories, offering specialized care for youth with mental health or
behavioral issues.
• Modern Approaches and Juvenile Justice Reform
• Trauma-Informed Care: Many reformatories are shifting towards trauma-informed
care, acknowledging that a significant number of youth offenders have experienced
trauma. This approach emphasizes empathy, support, and resilience-building.
• Family Involvement: Successful programs often involve the family in the rehabilitation
process, helping to build a support system that can improve outcomes upon release.
• Aftercare and Reentry Programs: Reentry programs help youth transition back into
their communities after release. They may offer mentorship, employment support,
educational assistance, and counseling to prevent recidivism.
• Educational Partnerships: Reformatories are increasingly partnering with local school
districts, community colleges, and trade schools to offer quality education and
vocational training that prepare youth for success.
• 6. The Shift Toward Community-Based Solutions
• Juvenile reformatories are slowly being phased out in many areas as
juvenile justice reforms emphasize rehabilitation and community-
based alternatives. Research shows that treatment and support in
familiar, less restrictive environments can be more effective than
detention, reducing recidivism and helping youth establish positive
life paths.
• Conclusion
• Juvenile reformatories remain part of the justice system, particularly
for high-risk offenders, but there is a growing emphasis on reform and
alternatives. Community-based programs and trauma-informed
approaches are showing promise in reducing youth incarceration,
improving rehabilitation outcomes, and ultimately helping youth
transition into healthier, law-abiding adults.