Delinquency Prevention

• NCJ Number: 247762
• Author(s): Paul Steiner
• Date Published: February 1994
• Length: 2 pages
• Agencies: OJJDP
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description; Issue Overview; Historical Overview

Annotation

After identifying the need for a nationwide response to prevent juvenile delinquency, Federal legislation intended to address this need is profiled, followed by a review of risk factors and protective factors for delinquency, as well as a discussion of the Federal funding and technical assistance available to facilitate delinquency prevention at the local and State levels.

Abstract

Arrests of juveniles for violent crime increased 57 percent between 1983 and 1992. In 1988, juvenile arrests accounted for less than eight percent of all murder arrests. By 1992, juveniles accounted for 15 percent. In response, the U.S. Congress reauthorized the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. Recognizing the need for local comprehensive delinquency prevention planning and programs for youth who have had or are likely to have contact with the juvenile justice system, Congress established "Title V -- Incentive Grants for Local Delinquency Prevention Programs." Under this mandate, the U.S. Justice Department's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has issued a funding guideline for Title V Delinquency Prevention Programs. The four requirements for funded programs are outlined in this report. As part of its guidance in developing effective prevention programs, OJJDP has identified risk and protective factors for juvenile delinquency. These factors are reviewed in this report. Title V authorizes OJJDP to make grants to States to be transmitted through the State Advisory Groups (SAGs) to qualified units of local government. The features and implementation of these grants are described, and local eligibility requirements are outlined. OJJDP requirements for local grant programs involve a 3-year comprehensive delinquency prevention plan, which is described in this report. The training and technical assistance provided by OJJDP to local grantees is also described.