NCJ Number
168920
Date Published
1993
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This chapter provides an overview of juvenile delinquency, with attention to the prevalence and nature of juvenile gangs; reviews the current corrections approaches with juveniles; and proposes a multifaceted approach for addressing juvenile delinquency.
Abstract
As the number of juvenile crimes escalate, fueled largely by the proliferation of criminal juvenile gangs, citizens and legislators look for quick answers. The handiest has been harsher, more punitive dispositions. Still, there are impressive examples of a humanist approach that attempts rehabilitation through constructive programs that address individual needs of juvenile offenders. Both of these models can be viewed as failures in large measure. Reliance on either precludes the eclectic approach, which offers the best hope of tailoring the response to the needs of the individual juvenile offender. Such an approach must be based on the factors that contribute to delinquency. In many cases the roots of delinquency can be traced to a teenage mother who needs to be salvaged. She must be taught how to be an effective parent, while she is provided incentives for education, employment, and other supports. The absent male must be returned to the family to assume his responsibilities and to accept the consequences of his actions. Punishment and sanctions have their place, as does the use of street workers, social welfare aides, and others who provide needed services.