NCJ Number
68989
Date Published
1980
Length
0 pages
Annotation
A SOCIAL WORKER IN THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM EXPLORES THE NATURE AND CAUSES OF JUVENILE DELINQUENT BEHAVIOR, AS WELL AS ALTERNATIVES TO THE COURT SYSTEM.
Abstract
IN THE EYES OF THE SOCIAL WORKER, BODO, CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO GROWING JUVENILE DELINQUENCY ARE THE DECLINE OF THE CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY, REMOVAL OF THE FAMILY FROM THE RURAL SETTING, LACK OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND CHILDREN, SOCIAL RATHER THAN EDUCATIONAL DEMANDS ON CHILDREN IN SCHOOLS, AND TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITY FROM PARENTS TO INSTITUTIONS OUTSIDE THE HOME. AS MOST JUVENILE DELINQUENTS ARE ONE-TIME OFFENDERS, BODO ADVOCATES DELAYING ENTRY OF YOUNGSTERS INTO THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM WITHIN REASONABLE LIMITS. FURTHERMORE, HE BELIEVES THAT RECIDIVISM IS NOT AN ACCURATE MEASURE OF CORRECTIONS SUCCESS. MOST JUVENILE OFFENDERS ARE NORMAL, HEALTHY CHILDREN ACTING OUT PROBLEMS. MANY YOUNGSTERS SUDDENLY ENCOUNTER DIFFICULTIES AT A CERTAIN TIME BECAUSE THEY ARE UNABLE TO CONTEND WITH THE DEMANDS OF A NEW SITUATION, SUCH AS HIGH SCHOOL, AND THEIR PARENTS ARE NOT CAPABLE OF COPING WITH CHANGES IN THEIR CHILDREN. MANY FAMILIES FORGET TO LISTEN TO INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS SO THAT THEIR PERSPECTIVES ARE LOST. FINALLY, BODO EMPHASIZES THE VALUE OF FAMILIES' ABILITY TO LAUGH AT THEMSELVES: FAMILIES REALLY IN TROUBLE DO NOT LAUGH ANY MORE.