NCJ Number
73261
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1980) Pages: 908-911
Date Published
1980
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Some delinquents who were unreachable and failed to respond to juvenile interventions at age 17 or 18 years may continue to exhibit signs of depression later in life unless treated.
Abstract
Progressive reforms have provided constructive influences on the lives of many erring juveniles; yet, there is a particular prejudice against those who have not responded to juvenile rehabilitative efforts and have entered into the adult legal system. This study presents clinical observations of a group of youths who did not respond as juveniles. The case studies illustrate that delinquents as adolescents act out with self-justification and need to express rebellion, self-assertion, and autonomy by destroying rather than resolving the dependencies of family emotional ties. In so doing they compromise their ego development. With the passing of adolescence many become depressed when finding themselves without education, work skills, or self-perception. They act out their depression with continued offenses, alcoholism, drug dependence, and social maladaptions. Untreated such depressions are long-lasting and have far-reaching influences upon the family. Treatment by means of a supportive psychotherapeutic relationship can counter the depression, develop latent ego strengths, and foster personal and social adjustment.