Toward a Theoretical Model for Intervention With Violent Juvenile Offenders (From Violent Juvenile Offenders - An Anthology, P 53-69, 1984, Robert A Mathias et al, ed. - See NCJ-95108)

• NCJ Number: 95166
• Author(s): J A Fagan; S J Jones
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 17 pages
• Grant Number(s): 80-JN-AX-0006; 82-MU-AX-0003
• Sponsoring Agency: US Securities and Exchange Cmssn
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-95108.

Annotation

Current theory and knowledge about violent juvenile offenders are the basis of a theoretical model for intervention by the juvenile justice system.

Abstract

Biological, psychological, sociological, and learning and behavioral theories have all been advanced to explain the causes of juvenile delinquency and violence. However, these competing explanations are not complete. Juvenile delinquency and violent juvenile crime are complex phenomena involving interactional, individual, situational, and environmental influences, all of which must be taken into account for a theory or set of theories to be useful. An integrated theoretical scheme is proposed and presented in diagram form. The intervention model suggests that youth become delinquent and/or violent in one of two ways. First, individual psychological factors or early socialization experiences can precipitate outbursts of violence. Second, youths can become delinquent and/or violent through inadequate socialization. The model identifies four underlying principles which operate on both internal and external bonds. Promising strategies for intervention are social networking, provision of youth opportunities, social learning, and goal-oriented interventions. A list of 97 references is included.