NCJ Number
192123
Date Published
2000
Length
380 pages
Annotation
This text provides an introduction to and a balance between juvenile justice theory and practice.
Abstract
Part I is an overview that includes an introduction to juvenile justice and the history of juvenile justice in America. Part II contains three chapters that address delinquency and abuse. A chapter on the causes of delinquency reviews the theory of the positive school, social theories of delinquency, biological theories, psychological theories, the impact of dysfunctional families, and the influence of schools. A chapter on juvenile gangs discusses what constitutes a gang, gang categories, the history of juvenile gangs, characteristics of juvenile gangs, the nature of the gang problem, and responses to youth gangs. A chapter on abused and neglected juveniles considers the nature of the problems, family influences, missing children, and child protective services. The five chapters of Part III profile the juvenile justice system. Chapters focus on police and juveniles; the philosophy, jurisdiction, structure, actors, and rights of juveniles and parents regarding juvenile courts; juvenile court procedures; juvenile case law; and juvenile transfers and waivers to adult court. Part IV contains four chapters on juvenile disposition and corrections, with attention to juvenile probation, juvenile parole, group home programs, and shock incarceration. The two concluding chapters discuss the future of juvenile courts and directions for change. Chapter discussion questions and a subject index