NCJ Number
96927
Date Published
1985
Length
649 pages
Annotation
Divided into 6 units and 21 chapters, this text examines delinquency in the broad sociocultural, legal, political, economic, and historical contexts and addresses causes, prevention strategies, and correctional treatment.
Abstract
The first unit measures the extent and nature of delinquency as revealed in official and self-report statistics. Unit 2 surveys the following theories on delinquency causes: (l) juveniles have free will and choose to become delinquent, or (2) juveniles are driven by either biological factors, social structure factors, peer pressures, or economic exploitation to become delinquent. The next unit explores environmental influences on delinquency. The fourth unit focuses on the individual male and female delinquent, discussing types of youthful offenders. Unit 5 looks at the juvenile justice process and then examines police-juvenile relations, the juvenile court, community-based corrections, and long-term institutions. Unit 6 reviews primary and secondary prevention programs, with particular attention to diversion. The text closes with a summary and recommendations on policy. Each chapter includes footnotes, discussion questions, references, and an interview with an authoritative spokesperson from the field. A glossary and an index are from the field. A glossary and an index are supplied.