NCJ Number
147579
Journal
Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science Volume: 322 Dated: (March 1959) Pages: 136-145
Date Published
1959
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Juvenile delinquent behavior represents a response to difficulties in achieving commonly desired goals through conventional, law-abiding behavior and an inappropriate way of handling inner strain and anxiety.
Abstract
Community programs to prevent delinquency must provide encouragement and opportunities for legitimate success. Such programs must also locate and offer special support and treatment to youth who do not seem to be able to abandon their delinquent way of life, even when such opportunities are made available. To be effective, community programs must provide opportunities and special services needed by delinquent youth that are easily accessible and coordinated in the community. In addition, ongoing program evaluation is essential to improve service delivery and to assess the local impact of specific programs. Methods of community intervention are described, and potential sources of resistance to community programs are noted.