NCJ Number
91260
Date Published
1982
Length
22 pages
Annotation
After discussing the nature and extent of juvenile delinquency and the conceptual dilemma of any juvenile justice system, this paper examines current trends in juvenile justice administration in Asian countries as well as delinquency prevention, treatment of juvenile delinquents, and the need for minimum standards.
Abstract
Despite the variations in perceptions of juvenile delinquency in various countries, juvenile delinquency, as officially reported, is viewed with alarm because of its increased frequency and seriousness. The primary conceptual dilemma of the juvenile justice system is its commitment to the care of immature and troubled youth and its simultaneous commitment to the protection of society from the destructive behavior of these youth. Trends in juvenile justice administration in the Asian countries include (1) a commitment to the development of the family as an institution for social control, (2) the treatment of troubled youth within their families and through community services, (3) the use of institutionalization as a last resort, and (4) government monitoring of juvenile justice agencies to ensure adherence to mandated goals. Efforts at juvenile delinquency prevention focus on strengthening the family's social control influence, improving the positive behavioral influences of public education, and involving the community in juvenile delinquency prevention. There is a need for the development of minimum standards to guide juvenile justice administration. The standards would be based in the consensus of all the Asian countries that delinquency prevention, treatment services for deviant youth, and the protection of society from dangerous juveniles are primary goals of juvenile justice administration.