NCJ Number
171721
Date Published
1996
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This bulletin explores recent trends in juvenile crime which tend to belie the impression created in the media that most juvenile offenders are involved in violent crime and offend frequently.
Abstract
The data are presented in four sections: (1) the criminal prosecution process for juveniles in New South Wales (NSW); (2) sources of information about juvenile crime; (3) current statistics regarding offenses committed by juveniles and juvenile offender characteristics; and (4) patterns of juvenile offending, the offending frequency of juveniles in NSW, and how this information can be used to prevent juvenile offending. Contrary to popular belief, only a small percentage of juveniles come into contact with the criminal court system and, of those who do, almost half appear for theft offenses. The majority of juveniles who appear in court appear only once. Among those who reappear, the average time between the first and last court appearance is usually only about 2 years. The bulletin discusses factors which affect participation in juvenile crimes, factors which affect the frequency of juvenile crimes, different strategies for reducing juvenile crime and reducing the frequency of juvenile crime, and suggested interventions. Figures, notes