NCJ Number
80810
Date Published
1981
Length
55 pages
Annotation
This report examines the incidence of juvenile delinquency and presents a history of juvenile delinquency prevention efforts, with a focus on various theories regarding the causes of delinquency. An experimental test of a comprehensive prevention model is developed and a research design offered for evaluating selected juvenile delinquency prevention programs.
Abstract
The report notes that juvenile delinquency is a major social problem with burdensome economic costs. Over 40 percent of arrests for the seven major Index crimes are of youths under 18 years of age. Shifts in juvenile justice philosophy over the years and the goals of prevention are described. Using research findings by the National Center for the Assessment of Delinquent Behavior, the report illustrates a general model of delinquency which integrates control and cultural deviance theories and includes the following general prevention strategies: (1) role development and power enhancement, (2) social network development, (5) education/skill development, (4) clarity and consistency of social expectations, (4) criminal influence reduction, and (6) deterrence. The report describes a project which could be designed to study both individual and combined interventions, ordered according to the institution targeted (i.e., the family, school, peers, work setting, and community). Finally, the report suggests a research design for the evaluation of those delinquency prevention programs that include elements of the interventions outlined in the report. Over 100 references are appended and diagrams are included.