NCJ Number
86179
Journal
New Directions for Youth Development Volume: 3 Issue: 5 Dated: (September/October 1982) Pages: 3-8
Date Published
1982
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article addresses the definition and incidence of serious juvenile crime, as well as appropriate interventions for serious juvenile offenders.
Abstract
Serious juvenile offenders may be labeled as those who commit five or more serious crimes and perhaps one or more nonserious crimes although several other definitions also are commonly used. Substantial evidence documents a dramatic increase in violent juvenile crime between 1960-75, but the adolescent population also increased dramatically during this period. Juveniles also commit the greatest numbers of serious property crimes. This profile suggest that the development of consistent policies representing a reasoned response to juveniles' greatest threat -- property crimes -- should command more attention and may entail different intervention strategies than previously conceived. A rational system of sanctions and dispositional alternatives must deter violative behavior, impose consequences, ensure community protection, and equip young people to assume law-abiding roles in the community. Community-based programming is an effective means for controlling and supervising serious offenders and for reintegrating them into society. Qualified staff are crucial to program success. A list of 11 suggested readings is appended.