All the boys were from the similar poor backgrounds and the results of the study helped identify a clear and conclusive pattern. Professor Laub found that low levels of parental supervision, harsh discipline and weak parental attachment were high risk factors for juvenile delinquency and adult criminal behavior. The study also reported that juvenile criminals were less likely to complete school, more likely to be jobless and likely to experience divorce and separation as adults. [JCPR]
Statistics show that the percentage of juvenile population living under poverty line has declined steadily since 1993. However, the figure is still quite high compared to the rate of adults living under poverty. As per the 2002 data, one out of every six juvenile lived under the poverty line. Black and Hispanic juveniles are three times more likely to be under the poverty line when compared to non-Hispanic whites. With a poverty threshold fixed at $18,244, an estimated 6. 9% of the juvenile population lived under 50% of the poverty threshold in 2002. Overall, an estimated 40% of children living under poverty line could be categorized as living under extreme poverty. Data from the same period indicate that one in three black juveniles lived below poverty line and one in five black juveniles were living in extreme poverty.
Family Structure
Family structure plays a crucial if not the proximate cause for juvenile behavior. A study by McCurley and Snyder found that living in two-parent household is the best environment for children. The study reported that youths between the age group of 12 and 17 who lived with both the parents were the least likely to engage in delinquent behaviors such as sexual assault, running away from the house, and other forms of misbehavior. This positive effect of living with both the parents was observed to be independent of racial or ethnic differences suggesting family structure as the single most important factor responsible for delinquent behavior. (McCurley, C., and Snyder) National statistics show that only 71% of children live with both the parents. Racially, black children...
Juvenile Delinquency Crime statistics from Chicago, Illinois testify to the increasing number of youth offenders. In 1989, the Chicago police reported that 64% of 274,000 their crimes were committed by individuals under the age of 25; 40% of these crimes were committed by teenagers under 18." (Malmgren, Abbott, & Hawkins, 1999) The recent headlines show that more and more kids are being expelled from schools for carrying guns, knives and for
Studies indicate that "... A higher than average incidence of delinquency occurs among youngsters of the poorest social standing and with the lowest performance at school..." (Jarvelin et al., 1994, p. 230) Similarly, studies also note that neighborhood influences on development was determinant on factors such as "...collective socialization, peer-group influence, and institutional capacity." (Sampson, Morenoff & Gannon-Rowley, 2002. p 443) Generally studies like the above present a negative picture of
Juvenile delinquency poses a serious problem in the contemporary society, with the authorities often having a limited influence on preventing it. Society in general has had the tendency to devise different agendas meant to address juvenile delinquency. This is also one of the reasons why correctional institutions normally have laws that can only be applied in cases involving minors. While status offenses can also be applied in cases involving adults,
Introduction In the past, there was no such term as “juvenile delinquent” or “juvenile delinquency” within the justice system. As frightening as it is to consider, over a hundred years ago, children who committed crimes were thrown into prisons with adults and some children were even sentenced to corporal punishment or even death (Yale.edu, 2000). Reformers of the justice system were the ones who pushed for a distinct court system for
Treating Juvenile Delinquency Juvenile Justice Delinquency treatment program: Peer mentoring program for African-American male juveniles A brief description of your community African-American males are disproportionately represented in the incarcerated juvenile population, relative to their percentage of the general population. The reasons for this have been hotly debated amongst criminal justice professionals and laypersons. Possible reasons include racism within the police and justice systems, the ways laws are written, and also a lack of vocational opportunities.
Future Role of the Juvenile Justice System in the United States Young people are naturally prone to experimentation and impulsive behaviors that frequently result in their involvement with the law enforcement community, and police officers today generally enjoy wide latitude in resolving these incidents. In fact, in some if not most cases, police officers can release young offenders into the custody of their parents or guardians without the further involvement
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