...Abstract Many factors contribute to juvenile delinquency and research has recognized that there is not one single pathway to delinquency. Studies have shown that the more risk factors the juvenile faces the probability of offending increases. The major factors contributing to juvenile delinquency are individual factors, social factors, and community factors. Many people have tried to figure out and understand the factors that lead our youths to commit crimes and what can we do to prevent and rehabilitate them to keep them from committing these crimes again. Juvenile delinquency is one of the most important issues around the world today. Despite the social awareness surrounding the topic, juvenile delinquency is on the rise and needs to be addressed in order to stop our youth from becoming criminals instead of important members of society. There have been many efforts to understand and analyze the reasons that juveniles commit crimes however there is no set reason, but rather several reasons that can lead a youth to commit crimes. Recent research shows that violence among juveniles is rising rapidly and shows that more than 60% of youths will have either been a victim or will have committed a crime sometime during their youth years (Garza, 2011). Research has also stated that the crime rate among juveniles has increases rapidly since the 1980’s and in 2009 youths were responsible for more than 2 million violent crimes in the United States (Garza, 2011). At the same time...
Words: 1800 - Pages: 8
...Delinquency 1 The “Broken Home” or Broken Society A Sociological Study of Family Structure and Juvenile Delinquency By Hillary R. Sheehan Advised by Professor Chris Bickel SocS 461, 462 Senior Project Social Science Department College of Liberal Arts CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY Winter, 2010 © 2010 Hillary Sheehan Delinquency 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page Research Proposal…………………………………………………………………………3 Annotated Bibliography…………………………………………………………………...5 Outline……………………………………………………………………………………10 Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………..14 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………15 The “Broken Home”: Truth or Trend……………………………………………15 Statistics on Single-Parent Families and Juvenile Delinquency…………………21 Case Study……………………………………………………………………….23 Theories…………………………………………………………………………..27 Criticisms………………………………………………………………………...32 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………….34 Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………..36 Delinquency 3 Research Proposal The goal of this research paper is to explore the topic of juvenile delinquency and to analyze the cause of such behavior. The topic of most interest is how the family structure plays a role in delinquent behavior and what can be said about the so called broken home. There is a lot of research in criminal justice that tries to explore the reasons behind people’s behavior and this paper is intending to address youth who have been involved in the system. By exploring this topic I hope to get a better...
Words: 9153 - Pages: 37
...need to reduce juvenile delinquency. It will consider ways to help reduce juvenile delinquency and why it is so important. This paper will give the reader insight about what needs to happen in order to help juveniles be successful and stay out of the juvenile justice system. There will be key agreements that will require the reader’s attention. Effective Ways to Reduce Juvenile Delinquency A 16-year-old teenager was arrested after a veteran police officer was gunned down in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Fox News, 2011). According to an article by the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) called “Punishing Teen Criminal Like Criminals,” “juveniles were accounting for more than 500,000 serious violent crimes by 1984.” It is expected that while the adults committing homicides is to decline almost by twenty percent the juveniles committing homicides will increase by almost one-fourth. How can the American society mitigate the occurrences of juvenile delinquency? Many approaches have been taken to institutionalize juvenile delinquents and rehabilitate them. As the Mayor of St. Petersburg, Bill Foster said “we as a community need to standup and do a better job.” These occurrences will not stop unless there is a plan and execution established to make it happen. That is why juvenile delinquency must be tackled through the use of prevention programs, recreational programs, and educational programs. To start off, there needs to be approaches towards more juvenile prevention programs...
Words: 1246 - Pages: 5
...ABSTRACT Juvenile delinquency is a rapidly growing problem in both the developing and developed countries. In Kenya, the incidences of juvenile delinquency have increased in the resent years and thus it has prompted the research studies on juveniles and crime. Juvenile delinquency is a type of offences committed by young people. The major offences committed by juveniles include vandalism, auto-theft, vagrancy, truancy and incorrigibility. The prevalence of juvenile delinquency has fostered by high living standard in the country, media and technology, availability and misuse of drugs, poor parental skills and broken-homes. However, most cases of juvenile delinquency are never reported, thus making it impossible to arrive at an accurate assessment of the number of children who engage in delinquency. In the 1960s in the United States of America, Gottrieb and Ramsey (1964) observed that only about third of adolescents apprehended by the police for offences considered delinquent were ever taken to police station or juvenile court. Usually, published figures underestimate the real incidences(Snooks, 1980). Therefore, this research proposal tries to study both the overlooked cases and addressed cases of juvenile delinquency in order to understand the risk factors and come up with more accurate figures that will help the CJS and rehabilitative centers come up with effective preventive measures.. This research proposal seeks to explore the different root causes of delinquency in Kericho...
Words: 1298 - Pages: 6
...STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM What are the causes and consequences of juvenile delinquency? REASON FOR SELECTING AREA OF RESEARCH The researcher has been residing in the community of Dunsinane for a number of years. During this time the researcher has observed the damaging effects of juvenile delinquency on the social and economical development of said community. The researcher has decided to conduct a research to gain insight into the causes and effects of juvenile delinquency and also to find ways to deal with this social problem, as well as to find solutions that will eventually help in eliminating this problem. METHOD OF INVESTIGATION In order to collect accurate and concise data for the study the researcher, Cassandra Gordon has decided to use printed questionnaires. There are a number of advantages in using this method; some of these methods are that: • It requires less time to be completed. • It can be done at the convenience of the person required to have it completed. • It is highly confidential, as participants do not have to mark their names. • Questionnaires are very cost effective when compared to face-to-face interviews. • Questionnaires are easy to analyze, data entry and tabulation can be easily done with the use of questionnaires. • Questionnaires also reduce bias. There is uniform question presentation as the researcher’s own opinions will not influence the respondent to answer questions in a certain...
Words: 2782 - Pages: 12
...An Overview of Juvenile Delinquency in the United States 1. Introduction Juvenile delinquency regards crimes that are committed by individuals under the age of 18. Juveniles can be treated as adults depending on the nature of the crimes. Misdemeanors are minor crimes that don’t carry harsh penalties although felony related offenses do. Each state has juvenile courts that deal with juvenile delinquency. In 2010, there were a total of 308,745,538 juvenile delinquents living in the United States. This large has caused an increased concern about the number of youths that are committing crimes of all kinds. Major causes of juvenile delinquency are a lack of employment opportunities, little to no education and drug addiction among the parents. Juveniles that live with parents that have substance abuse problems often exhibit negative behaviors that result in crime. One program, “Beyond Scared Straight” has been highlighted in the media recently because it uses scare tactics to help juveniles avoid crime and the resulting jail time. This paper will provide an over of juvenile delinquency by defining it in terms of prevalence, causes and interventions. 2. Juvenile Delinquency Defined Each state in the United States have pre-established laws that define juveniles. Roberts concludes that individuals that have not turned 18 are juveniles in the eyes of the law. However, juveniles can be tried as adults if they commit serious crimes such as murder and robbery (Roberts). This has...
Words: 1655 - Pages: 7
...Contents Page No. * Introduction 02 * Objectives 03 * Methodology 03 * Description of Juvenile delinquency 03 * Causes of Juvenile delinquency in Bangladesh 06 * Prevention of Juvenile delinquency in Bangladesh 13 * Conclusion 17 * References 19 * Introduction: Juvenile delinquency is one of the most prominent problems today throughout the world especially in developing countries as Bangladesh. It is seems that traditional patterns of guiding the relationships and transition between family, school and work are being challenged. Social relations that ensure a smooth process of socialization are collapsing and lifestyle is becoming more dynamic and less predictable. The reformation of the labour market, the extension of the maturity gap and the limited opportunities to become an independent adult are all changes influencing relationships with family and friends. Also, educational opportunities and choices, labour market participation, leisure activities and lifestyles often create hindrance in the way of developing adolescence normal behaviour. There are some new pressures that influence on young people while undergoing the transition from childhood to independence. The factors which create a bridge with the way of getting delinquent in Bangladesh are rapid population growth, the unavailability of housing and support services, poverty, unemployment and underemployment among youth, the...
Words: 5300 - Pages: 22
...theories that attempt to explain the causes of delinquency. Among these theories are choice views, sociological views and developmental views. Choice theories suggest that juvenile offenders are capable of rational choices and make the choice to engage in delinquent behavior because they believe it will be beneficial for them in some way. The benefit of engaging in delinquent behavior must be perceived to be greater than possible punishment or loss (Siegel & Welsh, pg. 59) . Basically, choice theories equate delinquency to be a matter of free will. Sociological views of delinquency assert that certain social conditions make youth turn to criminality. These social conditions include negative interpersonal interactions, poor community ecological conditions, low socioeconomic status, and racial disparity (Siegel & Welsh, pg. 97). Developmental views claim that delinquency is a result of social experiences as well as individual characteristics. A criminal career is not started by a single incident however, and the path to delinquency and subsequent criminality is a dynamic process influenced by personal, social,...
Words: 593 - Pages: 3
...Running head: CHILD MALTREATMENT & JUVENILE DELINQUENCY 1 The Correlation Between Child Maltreatment & Juvenile Delinquency April 6, 2014 CHILD MALTREATMENT & JUVENILE DELINQUENCY 2 Abstract Research suggests that there is a correlation between child maltreatment and juvenile delinquency. The findings indicate that children, who have experienced abuse or neglect during childhood, are at increased risk of committing crimes in adolescence. A substantial number of children enter the juvenile justice system with a history of abuse, with approximately one third of these adolescence are actively associated with a child welfare agency at the time of their initial arrest. This paper attempts to establish a clear definition of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as, neglect, while also reviewing a pattern of subsequent delinquency. The effects of racial, ethnic and gender differences in criminal behavior will be explored. A collaborated effort among youth serving agencies is discussed as a method of prevention of child maltreatment and future delinquency. CHILD MALTREATMENT & JUVENILE DELINQUENCY 3 Juvenile delinquency is a serious public health concern. Throughout literature, child and adolescent maltreatment are consistently identified as powerful predictors of juvenile and adult crime. In 2009, law enforcement agencies arrested approximately 1.9 million persons under the age of 18 “ (Ryan, Williams, & Courtney, 2013, p.454)...
Words: 3599 - Pages: 15
...Juvenile Alternative Programs Analysis For almost two decades, the Juvenile Justice system has expanded to help turn the experience of a disadvantage youthful offender into a solution that supports his or her transition into adult independence. This comparative analysis shows the different aspects of two juvenile diversions, intervention, or prevention programs working with the state of Arkansas. This study shows the relationship of the mission promise for each of juvenile prevention programs. The goals of the programs define the causes of juvenile delinquency providing innovative solutions to the current problems for the youthful offenders. Arkansas Department of Family and Protective Services A wide array of departments shows the advantages of professionals working with the community to gain the confidence and reliability of the people living within the five county-area of North Central Arkansas. The young teen programs provide information and protective services for different ranges of abuse, neglect, and truancy as these problems can lead to juvenile delinquency. The wide umbrella of the family protective interventions (AFPS) covers two different programs working to decrease the many causes leading to juvenile delinquency. The main goal of reducing juvenile delinquency shows within the Arkansas Sheriffs Ranches and Arkansas Youth Network Boot Camps for youthful offenders (McDaniel, 2012).. Youth Network Boot Camp Goals The purpose and goal of the YBC program show...
Words: 1218 - Pages: 5
...Historical Explanations for Female Juvenile Delinquency Introduction: The study of female juvenile delinquency is a relatively new area that has only just started to receive the proper attention. Even though men and women are different in many ways, it was only within the last century that there have been serious efforts to create a justice system and corrective programs that take sex differences into account. This paper will give a general overview of female juvenile delinquency, then it will describe the different historical explanations of female delinquency, and will conclude with some ideas for how to best deal with and prevent female juvenile delinquency. Background Information about Female Juvenile Delinquency: Official statistics and self-report data indicate that girls are less likely than boys to commit serious delinquent acts and this has been consistent across different time periods and cultures (Hoge et al., 2008). FBI arrest data reveals that no matter which jurisdictions were reporting in any given year, from 1970 - 2006, girls accounted from anywhere between 20 - 30 % of all juvenile arrests. For example, in 2006, there were 1,156,871 arrests of juvenile males and 469,652 arrests of female juveniles (Shoemaker, 2009). Although females have lower reported rates of criminal activity, this doesn't mean that the distribution of offenses is the same for boys and girls. For example, running away accounts for 4-7% of boys’ arrests opposed to 11-28% of girls’...
Words: 2478 - Pages: 10
...ABSTRACT Juveniles are future of our country.They are new entrepreneurs.They are like clay which we have to mould if a potter doesn’t make make pot properly when mud is wet he can’t rectify it later when mud is dry and pot is made.Similarly we can make a juvenile good or bad from his childhood but later when he becomes fully hardened criminal its not easy to reform him.We blame parents for a bad juvenile but they alone are not responsible for a bad juvenile delinquent.A juvenile becomes delinquent due to environment all factors are responsible family,society,peers factors,etc.Juvenile becomes delinquent when he does not get the appropriate love and affection he wishes to have.Slowly the juvenile follows the path of delinquency and then becomes delinquent.We all see the cases of juvenile delinquency but no one cares to look into the factors responsible for juvenile delinquency.It is said that prevention is better than cure.After juvenile becomes delinquent we try to reform him but if we from beginning take steps so that a juvenile doesn’t become delinquent then we won’t have to look into cases of increased crimes by juvenile delinquents.I have tried to throw light on those factors which play an important role in making a child delinquent and what are the methods by which we can stop a child from becoming delinquent and also the laws which have been made for juveniles.It is important to train a child properly to make a juvenile a responsible citizen of our country.I have also thrown...
Words: 13560 - Pages: 55
...The Effects of Family Structure and Values on Juvenile Delinquency Christina M. Bracey 201240 Fall 2012 CJUS 230-B02 LUO Professor DeBoer Liberty University Online October 12, 2012 Abstract The changes in family values and structure in the United States has helped contribute to juvenile delinquency today. Society needs to recognize problems within the home before trying to find solutions to problems for todays at risk youth in America. Major structural changes inside of the home could adversely affect the raising of juveniles leading to delinquency. Some of the issues I will discuss in my paper are divorce, child abuse, mothers working outside of the home, and single-parent homes. Ineffectively raising a child can cause low self-control and low self-esteem while increasing the risks of delinquency as well. I will argue that with proper supervision, counseling, and monitoring of the behavior of the juvenile, it is possible that society can help eliminate some of the crimes committed by juvenile delinquents. Thesis The changes in family values and structure in the United States has helped contribute to juvenile delinquency today Introduction Family Structure has changed noticeably in the United States over the past several decades. It refers to various family characteristics that affect relationships and how families function. These characteristics include family size, family disruption, and birth order. High rates of divorce, single-parent housing, the...
Words: 4022 - Pages: 17
...Artinián, Yasmin Measures to prevent Juvenile Delinquency What would you say if you read juvenile delinquency is increasing more and more nowadays? In fact, we keep hearing news about juveniles joining to gangs and committing petty crimes. Perhaps the main reasons of this alarming problem are personal causes regarding to family problems and psychological causes relating to violent behavior towards a child. Because of that, there are two effective ways to eradicate juvenile delinquency: parental guidance and control, and programs to prevent this problem. One possible measure to deal with juvenile crimes is parental guidance/control. As we know, education begins at home. Parents are the role model of every child, so they have to teach the children how importance is to respect laws, norms and standards of society. Moreover, parents should listen to their children’ problems and concerns, and show them positive values. As a result, an increase in the communication between parents-child could keep children away from committing crimes. Another solution to the problem of juvenile delinquency is to develop programs to prevent this problem. Government could approach this issue throughout leisure work. For instance, recreational activities after school such as free sports championships, painting murals on purpose or creating music bands by giving the children musical instruments in order to keep them away from streets, drugs and guns. In that way, the juvenile learns how to socialize between...
Words: 332 - Pages: 2
...November 4, 2013 Week 2: Critical Thinking Exercise Our juvenile justice system and our understanding are not effective in curbing the juvenile delinquency in this society. There are some in this society, which believes this statement not to be true, but just one person’s opinion. However, Terrie Moffitt developmental theory poises some unique insight into juvenile delinquency and how our society should address it. According to, Moffitt theories there are two types of juvenile delinquents in our society. The two type are adolescence-limited and life-course persistent juvenile offenders. This paper will examine Moffitt developmental theory and how this theory can aid our society in preventing juvenile delinquency. The majority of statistics show that across the board over 90 % of juvenile offenders are adolescence-limited. Adolescence-limited offenders are typically the average juveniles could control their antisocial urges that he or she can have stray away from a life of crime. Just like the name implies, adolescence-limited juveniles only engage in delinquent activity for shorts period usually in their teens. In Moffitt theory during these adolescent years the majority of our youth have trouble with life changing issues and responsibilities. Moffitt theory suggests that most juvenile’s primary motivation and cause for delinquent behavior during these adolescence years is to seen as adults. These juveniles will commit all types of petty crimes to obtain this status...
Words: 591 - Pages: 3
