solutions of juvenile delinquency essay

Developing Solutions to the Juvenile Delinquency Problem Essay

Problem statement.

Juvenile delinquency is still a significant problem in society. Juvenile delinquents pose a threat to public safety, damaging their lives and dignity as well as the material and mental well-being of others. As a rule, adolescents are not fully aware of the risks and responsibility for the actions they commit, so their offenses are based not so much on the conscious desire to cause harm as on the emotional excitement and inability to control these emotions. Statistics provide some surprising data on this issue. First, the data reports that, more often than not, all crimes are committed in the middle of the school day or on a weekend evening (OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book, 2018). Second, arrests have decreased every year since 1996, indicating either the effectiveness of prevention services or an improvement in juvenile criminal skills (OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book, 2020). However, juvenile crime rates are still high despite downward trends.

Primary solution

One option for the previously suggested solution is to use arts-based approaches. We will call art any activities related to the embodiment of the creative activity of individuals, be it singing, drawing, sculpture, handicrafts, and any other forms of creative realization of individuals. So, an arts-based approach, including art therapy, is aimed at replacing destructive intentions and emotions in the adolescent, working through trauma, and working on one’s own feelings in order to minimize the likelihood of committing crimes (Perkins et al., 2021). From this perspective, one can imagine art-based approaches as prevention, suggesting that adolescents release negative emotions through creativity in a way that ultimately reduces the need for destructive behaviors. Children from troubled families and orphans are known to be more prone to delinquent behavior (Butterfield, 2018). Consequently, arts-based prevention measures directed toward such children should help reduce the level of public danger in the region.

It is clear that the proposed approach looks pretty voluminous and requires careful elaboration of the functional aspects. Moreover, one cannot simply decide to use the arts as a juvenile delinquency problem if one ignores the organizational and financial details of this project. For this reason, in the following slides, I will present three different solutions that have been developed in an attempt to address juvenile delinquency using art (Colorni & Tsoukiàs, 2018). These include (i) the creation of a creative activity center, (ii) the mandatory introduction of art classes in schools, and (iii) the implementation of urban sports programs.

Creative activity center

For a region in which we seek to reduce juvenile delinquency, the creation of a creative activity center may be a tactical necessity. Such a solution refers to the creation of a large area physical office where teens come after school or on weekends to participate in individual and group art programs. The division into programs should be voluntary so that each teenager can participate only in those forms of creative activity that catch their attention. However, it should be possible for all individuals to freely attend any form of art that they might find interesting: theater, drawing, music, sports, dancing. In such an institution, there is a system of teachers who lead a class at an allotted time so that teenagers know precisely when to come and what to expect.

Strengths and weaknesses

The strengths of such a solution are hard to overestimate. The creation of a single urban center will not only provide an opportunity for the creative realization of adolescents but also form in their minds an image of an instrument or a solution that will always be glad to help them. So, in any of the problematic situations, teenagers can always turn to art, make acquaintances or spend time alone doing creative work. In addition, for teenagers, such time will be completely free, which increases the threshold of involvement and expands the target audience. On the other hand, creating a one-stop art center will not solve the problem of juvenile delinquency completely, as there is no way to regulate the participation of all teens. A voluntary basis implies personal will, which means that it is impossible to attract those problem teens who do not want to participate in such activities on their own. In addition, it takes time to build such a center (about six months), which does not solve the problem of juvenile delinquency right now. Finally, in the absence of proper marketing, it is not impossible to metamorphose the perception of such a center into a social correction center, which would create a stigma around it.

In terms of positive consequences, an urban arts center will attract more adolescents to creative fulfillment. In the long run, it will reduce juvenile delinquency, as it has been proven that participation in creativity affects it (U.S. Department of Justice, 2020). In addition, it will improve public safety and cultural vibrancy, as the large amount of artwork created by teens can be used for city installations and exhibitions. It is also expected that the urban center will catalyze the development of creative teenagers, which in the long run will improve the tourist image of the city of artists, musicians, and entertainers. In terms of negative consequences, the only problem may be turning the center into a gathering place for teenagers uninterested in creativity. Adolescents are known to like to visit malls aimlessly to spend time together (McDuling, 2020). Against the backdrop of their closure, opening an urban creative playground may become an alternative; as a result, it will cease to fulfill its initial function.

Financial considerations

Since this solution is large-scale, much time, financial and human resources will be required. Renting a commercial space to convert it into a creative center, hiring teachers and administrative staff, marketing costs, and the cost of purchasing equipment will all take a heavy toll on the budget. That said, who strictly is sponsoring the decision is unclear. If we are talking about private founders, these are vast amounts of money for a nonprofit business (Krlev et al., 2018). The solution may be to seek cooperation with authorities and law enforcement, as they have a direct interest in solving the problem of juvenile delinquency. This requires a careful business plan and formulation of a funding project on an ongoing basis to maintain the functionality of the center.

Mandatory art classes at school

A second alternative could be the introduction of art and art classes in schools and colleges for teens on a mandatory basis. In this case, pupils are not specified to attend specific sections, as getting credit for creative lessons will be a compulsory part of the final certification. In this solution, separate creative arts classes would be added to the children’s curriculum, with the student able to choose what he or she wants to attend. Within the school, it could be music, drawing, or dance classes, as well as sports. Unlike physical education and art classes, attendance in the classes being developed will be mandatory but will not put pressure on students.

Advantages and disadvantages

It is impossible not to notice the apparent advantages of this solution. First, the mandatory format of attendance significantly increases adolescent participation and attracts even those adolescents who would not want to engage in the arts voluntarily. Second, the amount of time devoted to school activities is increased, and thus the amount of free time in which teens can commit crimes is reduced. Finally, this approach is also related to students’ creative realization. Among the weaknesses is the possible emergence of a sense of compulsion and the resulting lack of motivation for adolescents to work. In addition, since the only deterrent is academic certification, it is not difficult to imagine that ultimately destructive adolescents who do not even go to school will not attend creative lessons either.

Ramifications of the decision

The negative consequences of such a decision include the possible deterioration of students’ personal experiences with school, which could result in a reduction in the validity of the entire decision (Langbein, 2016). Education is already a significant stressor for adolescents, and the introduction of another mandatory class will affect the development of hatred for school. In addition, competition among familiar students increases in creative fulfillment — children generally do not know how to control their words and actions, so much competition can take the form of bullying, abusive behavior, and even joking. Among the positive consequences, however, are the involvement of the large group in creativity, the possibility of developing hidden talents, and a healthy alternative to idleness among teenagers. In addition, the use of a school psychologist will allow potentially vulnerable families to be identified and prevention work to be carried out in advance.

This solution is significantly less costly because it is implemented strictly within the confines of the school. Using vacant rooms eliminates the need to rent space, and only hiring additional staff, art masters and teachers, and purchasing equipment would require a budget. Additionally, but not necessarily, it would be helpful to hire a psychologist who could address emotional trauma and experiences with teens in both individual and group formats. The school principal or city budget is responsible for funding these projects.

City sports events

Strange as it may seem, sports are a pure form of human art because they involve the realization of one’s skills and constant training. In addition, sports are known to be excellent tools for releasing accumulated anger, so the use of sporting events will focus on preventive work with emotions. This solution uses these beliefs to create a program of urban sports activities among teens. Soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming, wrestling, volleyball, and many other sports are just some of the activities that will be implemented within the solution. In fact, we are talking about creating our own training base, on the platform of which the city trains and competes teenagers in various sports.

Benefits and challenges

The advantages of this solution seem apparent: In addition to solving the public health problem by athleticizing teenagers, this program engages children in sports and increases the city’s athletic representation at the national level. Most importantly, of course, the program solves the problem of emotional undercurrents and injuries. Weaknesses include the inability to attract physically challenged teens, the voluntary basis of attendance, and the possible harm to health in the event of sports injuries.

Consequences

The consequences are also realized on two levels. On the one hand, the athletic development of the city is increased, so more experienced athletes can participate in national and international competitions. Tremendous enthusiasm for sports increases the attractiveness of local teenagers and gives them better mental health (Gorczynski et al., 2021). Meanwhile, because of the cult of sports in the city, stigma is likely to develop against overweight people who cannot or do not want to participate in sports.

Financial Outlay

This also requires a high expenditure of resources, since not only the establishment of a training facility but also the implementation of all organizational details, from the formation of training plans to the scheduling of matches and the hiring of independent referees. The purchase of sports equipment will also require significant expenditures. Funding for this solution is carried out in cooperation with the authorities of the city, as the participation of teenagers is again free of charge.

In order to choose the best solution for all criteria, it was decided to use inspection by numbers. In each of the rows of the table is a number showing the strength associated with these items on a five-point scale, from -2 to +2, where +2 is the most substantial impact. According to the classification, the creation of a creative center is the leading solution that will embrace the maximum number of aspects and will actually lead to a reduction in juvenile delinquency. It is recommended, then, that you begin conceptualizing this project, budgeting, and timing as soon as possible since the preparation and construction phases will take a long time.

Butterfield, F. (2018). When crime is a family affair . The Atlantic.

Colorni, A., & Tsoukiàs, A. (2018). What is a decision problem? Designing alternatives . Springer.

Gorczynski, P., Currie, A., Gibson, K., Gouttebarge, V., Hainline, B., Castaldelli-Maia, J. M., … & Swartz, L. (2021). Developing mental health literacy and cultural competence in elite sport. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 33 (4), 387-401. Web.

Krlev, G., Anheier, H. K., & Mildenberger, G. (2018). Introduction: Social innovation—what is it and who makes it? Social Innovation , 03-35.

Langbein, L. (2016). Defensible program evaluations: four types of validity . Routledge.

McDuling, J. (2020). American teens don’t hang out at malls anymore. They eat at restaurants . Quartz. Web.

OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book. (2018) Time of day . OJJDP. Web.

OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book. (2020). Juvenile arrest rate trends . OJJDP. Web.

Perkins, R., Mason-Bertrand, A., Tymoszuk, U., Spiro, N., Gee, K., & Williamon, A. (2021). Arts engagement supports social connectedness in adulthood: Findings from the HEartS Survey. BMC Public Health , 21(1), 1-15. Web.

U.S. Department of Justice. (2020). Arts and performances for prevention [PDF document]. Web.

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• v.41(1); 2017 Feb

Juvenile delinquency, welfare, justice and therapeutic interventions: a global perspective

Susan young.

1 Imperial College London, London, UK

2 Broadmoor Hospital, Crowthorne, UK

Richard Church

3 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK

This review considers juvenile delinquency and justice from an international perspective. Youth crime is a growing concern. Many young offenders are also victims with complex needs, leading to a public health approach that requires a balance of welfare and justice models. However, around the world there are variable and inadequate legal frameworks and a lack of a specialist workforce. The UK and other high-income countries worldwide have established forensic child and adolescent psychiatry, a multifaceted discipline incorporating legal, psychiatric and developmental fields. Its adoption of an evidence-based therapeutic intervention philosophy has been associated with greater reductions in recidivism compared with punitive approaches prevalent in some countries worldwide, and it is therefore a superior approach to dealing with the problem of juvenile delinquency.

Recent years have seen sustained public and academic interest in criminality and mental health, with attention often focused on antisocial behaviour by children and adolescents. The scale of the problem of juvenile delinquency has provoked mixed responses from governments and the media across the world, with calls for improved rehabilitation and support for juvenile offenders competing with voices advocating more punitive approaches. 1 Meanwhile, decades of rigorous academic scrutiny have shed light on the complex and diverse needs of children who come into conflict with the law. 2 – 5 Much of the growing body of literature on juvenile offenders shows considerable overlap between criminological, social and biomedical research, with a consensus emerging around the significance of a developmental understanding of the emergence of juvenile delinquency.

Importantly, juvenile offenders have consistently been identified as a population that suffers from a markedly elevated prevalence and severity of mental disorder compared with the general juvenile population. 6 , 7 Meeting the needs of these young offenders presents practical and ethical challenges concerning treatment and management, including liaison with other agencies.

What is juvenile delinquency?

Who counts as juvenile.

Juvenile delinquency is a term commonly used in academic literature for referring to a young person who has committed a criminal offence, although its precise definition can vary according to the local jurisdiction. The specific reasons underlying these differences are unclear, but they may arise from the lack of an agreed international standard. 8

A ‘juvenile’ in this context refers to an individual who is legally able to commit a criminal offence owing to being over the minimum age of criminal responsibility, but who is under the age of criminal majority, when a person is legally considered an adult. The minimum age of criminal responsibility varies internationally between 6 and 18 years, but the age of criminal majority is usually 18 years.

In some cases individuals older than 18 years may be heard in a juvenile court, and therefore will still be considered juveniles; indeed, the United Nations (UN) defines ‘youth’ as between 15 and 24 years of age. The term ‘child delinquents’ has been used in reference to children below the age of 13 who have committed a delinquent act, 9 although elsewhere ‘children’ are often defined as being under 18 years of age. The term ‘young offenders’ is broad, and can refer to offenders aged under 18 years or include young adults up to their mid-20s.

What is a crime?

A ‘delinquent’ is an individual who has committed a criminal offence. Delinquency therefore encompasses an enormous range of behaviours which are subject to legislation differing from one jurisdiction to another, and are subject to changes in law over time. Whereas acts of theft and serious interpersonal violence are commonly considered to constitute criminal offences, other acts including alcohol consumption and sexual behaviour in young people are tolerated to very differing degrees across the world. Sometimes these differences arise as a consequence of historical or cultural factors, and they may be underpinned by traditional religious laws, such as in some Middle Eastern countries. Some offences may be shared between jurisdictions but be enforced to differing standards – for instance, ‘unlawful assembly’, often used to prevent riots, is applied in Singapore to young people meeting in public in groups of five or more as part of police efforts to tackle youth gangs. Furthermore, ‘status offences’ – acts that would be permissible in adults but criminalised in children, such as consumption of alcohol or truancy – not only vary between jurisdictions, but contribute to discontinuity when comparing juvenile delinquency with adult populations in the same jurisdiction.

Lack of clarity can also arise in jurisdictions where a young offender is processed via a welfare system rather than a youth justice process. Countries with a high minimum age of criminal responsibility may not technically criminalise young people for behaviour that would normally be prosecuted and therefore classed as ‘delinquent’ elsewhere.

Not all incarcerated juveniles are ‘delinquent’, since some may be detained pre-trial and may not be convicted of an offence. Even if convicted, it would be wrong to assume that every ‘juvenile delinquent’ meets criteria for a diagnosis of conduct disorder; offences vary considerably and may not be associated with a broad repertoire of offending behaviour. Also, most ‘juvenile delinquents’ do not pose an immediate risk of violence to others, and the vast majority of convicted juveniles serve their sentences in the community.

To meet the diagnostic criteria of conduct disorder requires evidence of a persistent pattern of dissocial or aggressive conduct, such that it defies age-appropriate social expectations. Behaviours may include cruelty to people or animals, truancy, frequent and severe temper tantrums, excessive fighting or bullying and fire-setting; diagnosis of conduct disorder can be made in the marked presence of one of these behaviours. 10

Overall, the term ‘juvenile delinquent’ is used extensively in academic literature, but requires some care. It can be a potentially problematic term, and in some contexts can strike a pejorative tone with misleading negative assumptions. For several years the UN has used the phrase ‘children in conflict with the law’ to describe the breadth of the heterogeneous group of individuals under the age of 18 who have broken the law or are at risk of doing so.

General principles of juvenile justice

Welfare v. justice models.

The sentencing of an individual convicted of a criminal offence is largely driven by three key considerations: retribution (punishment), deterrence and rehabilitation. In the case of juvenile offenders the principle of rehabilitation is often assigned the greatest weight. 11

Special consideration for juveniles within the criminal justice system is not a new concept. In Roman law, the principle of doli incapax protected young children from prosecution owing to the presumption of a lack of capacity and understanding required to be guilty of a criminal offence. Most countries have some provision for special treatment of children who come into conflict with the law, however, the degree to which this is provided varies across the world. 1 , 12 In some countries a ‘welfare’ model prevails, which focuses on the needs of the child, diagnosis, treatment and more informal procedures, whereas other countries favour a ‘justice’ model, which emphasises accountability, punishment and procedural formality.

Belgium is frequently cited as an example of a country with a strong welfare process, supported by a high minimum age of criminal responsibility of 18 years. Similarly, France built a strong welfare reputation by placing education and rehabilitation at the centre of youth justice reforms in the 1940s. New Zealand in 1989 established the widely praised system of Family Group Conferencing as an integral part of youth justice, with a focus on restoration of relationships and reduction of incarceration that would be considered part of a welfare approach. In contrast, the UK and the USA have traditionally been associated with a justice model and low age of criminal responsibility – 10 years in England and Wales, and as low as 6 years in several US states.

Within welfare or justice models, a young person may at some point be ‘deprived of liberty’ – defined as any form of detention under official authorities in a public or private location which the child is not permitted to leave. Locations in which children may be deprived of liberty include police stations, detention centres, juvenile or adult prisons, secure remand homes, work or boot camps, penitentiary colonies, locked specialised schools, educational or rehabilitation establishments, military camps and prisons, immigration detention centres, secure youth hostels and hospitals. 13

Between the less and more punitive systems

The UN supports the development of specialised systems for managing children in conflict with the law. When the first children's courts were set up in the USA in the 1930s, they were widely praised as a progressive system for serving the best interests of the child. Although informality was championed as a particular benefit, in the 1960s substantial concerns arose about due process and the protection of the legal rights of minors. The subsequent development of formal juvenile courts occurred in the context of a continuing ethos of rehabilitation of young people, with a move away from incarceration of juveniles in the 1970s, especially in Massachusetts and California. However, following a marked peak in juvenile offending statistics during the 1980s and 1990s, public and political opinion swung firmly in a more punitive direction. This was accompanied by legal reforms that increased the severity of penalties available to juvenile courts and lowered the age threshold for juveniles to be tried in adult criminal courts.

When the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child entered into force in 1990, the USA was not a signatory owing to 22 states permitting capital punishment of individuals who had committed their crimes as juveniles. It is reported that 19 juvenile offenders were executed in the USA between 1990 and 2005. Although this number may represent a small percentage of the total who faced the death penalty in the USA during that period, the practice was widely criticised by international bodies and organisations. 14 A landmark ruling in the US Supreme Court 15 outlawed the execution of juvenile offenders in the USA, but to date a small number of countries worldwide still implement this practice, sometimes as a result of religious laws.

However, it would be wrong to assume that welfare systems are automatically preferable to a juvenile justice approach, since welfare arrangements can be equally coercive in terms of deprivation of liberty of juveniles. They may lack due process, safeguards for obtaining reliable evidence from young people, processes for testing evidence, and procedures for scrutiny or appeal following disposal.

Trends in youth crime

The USA witnessed a dramatic increase in arrest rates of young people for homicide and other violent crimes in the 1980s and 1990s, sometimes referred to as the ‘violence epidemic’. 16 The ensuing moral panic led to harsh and punitive policy changes in juvenile justice and, although official statistics document a subsequent fall of 20% in court case-loads between 1997 and 2009, victimisation surveys have indicated a degree of continuity in high levels of offending, consistent with a reported increase in juvenile offending between 2000 and 2006. 17

In common with the USA and several other high-income countries, the UK also experienced a rise in juvenile offending in the 1980s and 1990s, but figures from the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales appear to indicate a general improvement in recent years. Between 2009/2010 and 2014/2015 a 67% reduction has been observed in the number of young people entering the juvenile justice system for the first time, a 65% reduction in the number of young people receiving a caution or court disposal and a 57% reduction in the number of young people in custody. 18 These figures support an overall decrease in juvenile offending noted since the early 1990s. 19

Youth crime figures from Australia have documented a 4% reduction in the overall number of young offenders in 2013/2014, 20 although the number of violent offences committed by young people in the urbanised and densely populated region of Victoria has increased by 75% between 2000 and 2010. 21

The Nordic countries have witnessed an increase in the number of law-abiding youths from 1994 and 2008. 22 In Sweden, both objective levels of juvenile crime 23 and self-reported involvement in juvenile crime 24 have fallen between 1995 and 2005. Similarly in Finland, where, despite fluctuating trends in juvenile drug use, juvenile property and violent crime is reported to have decreased between 1992 and 2013. 25

To summarise, whereas regional and annual trends in juvenile offending are observed and expected, a global trend characterised by decreased juvenile offending appears to have emerged in recent years. Indeed, UN data from a sample of 40 countries lend support to this conclusion, indicating a decrease in the proportion of juveniles suspected (10.9% to 9.2%) and convicted (7.5% to 6%) of crime between 2004 and 2012, respectively. 26

Juvenile gang membership

Influence on crime involvement.

One of the features of urbanisation across the world has been the rise of youth gangs, groups of young people often defined by geographical area, ethnic identity or ideology; recent reports indicate a rise in groups with extremist views. Explanatory models for the rise in youth gangs include factors such as economic migration, loss of extended family networks, reduced supervision of children, globalisation and exposure to inaccessible lifestyle ‘ideals’ portrayed in modern media.

Authorities in Japan attributed a surge in serious youth crime in the 1990s primarily to juvenile bike gangs known as ‘bosozoku’, who were deemed responsible for over 80% of serious offences perpetrated by juveniles, putatively bolstered by a crackdown on yakuza organised crime syndicates. 27 Although difficult to quantify, gang involvement appears to feature in a large proportion of juvenile offences, and there is evidence that gang membership has a facilitating effect on perpetration of the most serious violence including homicide. 28

Mental health

Compared with general and juvenile offender populations, juvenile gang members exhibit significantly higher rates of mental health problems such as conduct disorder/antisocial personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 29 Gang members, compared with non-violent men who do not belong to a gang, are far more likely to utilise mental health services and display significantly higher levels of psychiatric morbidity, most notably antisocial personality disorder, psychosis and anxiety disorders. 30 Gang membership has also been positively correlated with an increased incidence of depressed mood and suicidal ideation among younger gang members. 31 Prevalence of ADHD is significantly greater in incarcerated youth populations (30.1%) than in general youth population estimates (3–7%), 32 therefore it may be reasonable to expect a similarly increased prevalence in juvenile gang members. ADHD has also been associated with a significantly increased risk of comorbid mood/affective disorder. 33

Forensic child and adolescent psychiatric services

Increased awareness of constitutional and environmental factors that contribute to juvenile offending has strengthened a public health perspective towards the problem, and in the UK entry into the youth justice system has been adopted as an indicator of general public health. 34

Dictionaries frequently define ‘forensic’ as meaning ‘legal’, implying a relationship with any court of law. Indeed, many forensic psychiatrists, particularly in child and adolescent services, undertake roles that encompass multiple legal domains relevant to mental health, including criminal law, family and child custody proceedings, special educational tribunals, and immigration or extradition matters.

Specialist forensic psychiatric services vary considerably between countries, 35 but usually forensic psychiatrists assess and treat individuals in secure psychiatric hospitals, prisons, law courts, police stations and in the community under various levels of security, supervision and support. In some countries there has been a trend towards forensic psychiatrists working almost exclusively with courts of law, providing independent specialist opinion to assist the court.

In the UK, forensic child and adolescent psychiatry has emerged as a clinical subspecialty. Some services are based in specialist secure hospitals for young people and cater for the relatively small number of high-risk young offenders with the most severe mental disorders. In the absence of such specialist resources, young people may be managed in suboptimal environments such as juvenile prisons, secure residential placements or secure mental health wards for adults, or even fail to receive treatment at all.

In light of growing evidence-based interventions for juvenile offenders within a public health framework, 36 the role of child and family mental health services may increase over time. Aside from direct clinical roles, practitioners in forensic child and adolescent psychiatry are also well placed to work with a wide range of partner agencies on the planning and delivery of broader interventions for the primary and secondary prevention of juvenile delinquency.

Prevalence of mental health problems among juvenile offenders

Rates of mental health problems among juvenile offenders are significantly higher than in their non-offender peers, with two-thirds of male juvenile offenders in the USA suggested as meeting criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder. 37 One in five juvenile offenders is estimated to suffer severe functional impairment as a result of their mental health problems. 38 Paradoxically, these needs are often unmet, 39 , 40 despite evidence of increased contact with mental health services, particularly among first-time juvenile offenders. 41 , 42 Of additional concern are the reported associations between mental health problems and mortality in incarcerated juveniles, 43 including an elevated suicide rate for males. 44 Mental health problems must be a target in interventions for juvenile offenders; however, treatments which focus solely on clinical problems are unlikely to result in benefit for criminogenic outcomes. 45 There is therefore a clear need for effective interventions which address both the clinical and criminogenic needs of these individuals.

Evidence-based treatments for mental health problems

Treatment of ptsd.

Estimates regarding the prevalence of PTSD among juvenile offenders suggest that 20 to 23% meet the clinical criteria, 46 , 47 with prevalence rates significantly higher among females than males (40% v . 17%). 46 Moreover, with 62% experiencing trauma within the first 5 years of life 47 and up to 93% experiencing at least one traumatic event during childhood or adolescence, 48 this should be a target for intervention.

Cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is regarded as the most effective intervention for adults with PTSD 49 and also has demonstrated efficacy for juvenile non-offenders. 50 , 51 There is limited evidence suggesting a significant reduction in self-reported symptoms of PTSD following group-based CBT in male juvenile offenders, 52 and of an adapted version of CBT, cognitive processing therapy, 53 also resulting in a significant reduction in self-reported symptoms of PTSD and depression compared with waitlist controls. 54

A trauma-focused emotion regulation intervention (TARGET) has received preliminary empirical support for use in this population. TARGET resulted in nearly twice as much reduction in PTSD symptom severity as treatment as usual (TAU), 55 in addition to significant reductions in depression, behavioural disturbances and increased optimism. 56

Mood/anxiety disorders and self-harm

Juvenile offenders in the UK present with a high prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders (67% of females, 41% of males), self-harm (11% of females, 7% of males) and history of suicide attempts (33% of females, 20% of males). 57 Similarly high prevalence has also been observed cross-culturally, namely in the USA, 37 , 58 Switzerland 59 and Finland. 60

Despite such high prevalence, there appears to be a paucity of high-quality evaluations regarding the effectiveness of interventions for juvenile offenders with mood and/or anxiety disorders, or problems with self-harm. However, the limited evidence that is available suggests that group-based CBT may aid symptom reduction. 61 Recovery rates for major depressive disorder following group-based CBT are over double those for a life skills tutoring intervention (39% v . 19%, respectively), although no significant difference was noted at 6- or 12-month follow-up. CBT also resulted in significantly greater improvements in self- and observer-reported symptoms of depression and social functioning. 62

However, group-based CBT is not reported to be significantly different from TAU in reduction of self-harm, 63 whereas individual CBT is not significantly different from TAU in outcomes for depression, anxiety, conduct disorder or PTSD. 64 Yet recruitment to and retention in intervention seems good, suggesting that CBT is feasible to implement in juvenile offender populations. 64

Evaluations of alternative interventions have posited muscle relaxation as effective in improving juvenile offenders' tolerance of frustration. 65 Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) has also been reported to significantly reduce incidences of physical aggression in a juvenile offender population 66 and among juvenile non-offenders expressing suicidal ideation. 67 It significantly reduced serious behavioural problems and staff punitive actions among juvenile offenders within a mental health unit, although no similar significant reductions were observed for those without mental health problems. 68

Evidence-based treatments for conduct disorder: family approaches

Relationships with family and peers are recognised as key factors in the criminogenic profile of juvenile offenders. 69 Multisystemic therapy (MST) is a family-focused intervention targeting characteristics related to antisocial behaviour, including family relationships and peer associations, 70 with evidence from US and UK studies suggesting MST is a beneficial intervention for juvenile offenders. When compared with conventional services offered by juvenile offending services, MST was associated with a significant reduction in the likelihood of reoffending, 71 maintained 2 and 4 years post-treatment. 72 , 73 Offenders engaging in MST are reported to be significantly less likely to become involved in serious and violent offending. 73 , 74 Significant improvements have also been observed in both self- and parent-reported delinquency, 74 family relations and interactions, 73 and home, school, community and emotional functioning. 71 A cost offset analysis of MST among UK juvenile offenders suggested that combining MST and conventional services provides greater cost savings than conventional services alone, as a result of its positive effects on recidivism. 75 Qualitative impressions of MST from juvenile offenders and their parents indicate that key components of a successful delivery of MST include the quality of the therapeutic relationship and ability to re-engage the offender with educational systems. 76

Some evidence also exists regarding the efficacy of MST when delivered to non-offender antisocial juvenile populations outside the USA and the UK. Compared with TAU, MST resulted in a significantly greater increase in social competence and caregiver satisfaction, and a significant reduction in referrals for out-of-home placements, in Norwegian juveniles exhibiting serious behavioural problems. 77 However, no significant difference between MST and TAU was reported in outcomes for antisocial behaviour and psychiatric symptoms in Swedish juvenile offenders. 78 MST was also found to have no significant benefit over TAU in outcomes including recidivism in a sample of Canadian juvenile offenders. 79 These differing outcomes have been posited as the result of barriers in transferring MST from US and UK populations owing to differing approaches to juvenile justice between countries (i.e. a welfare v . justice approach). 78 The heterogeneous nature of studies concerning MST in juvenile offender populations prevent a firm conclusion being drawn as to its superiority over alternative interventions, although this does not diminish the positive outcomes which have been observed. 80

Substance misuse

Motivational interviewing represents a promising approach for juvenile offenders, particularly as a treatment for substance misuse. 81 Group-based motivational interviewing has received positive feedback from participants when implemented with first-time juvenile alcohol or drug offenders, 82 and compared with TAU, juvenile offenders in receipt of motivational interviewing have greater satisfaction and display lower, though not statistically significant, rates of recidivism at 12-months post-motivational interviewing. 83 There is therefore preliminary evidence for the acceptability and feasibility of motivational interviewing for substance-misusing juvenile offenders, but future research regarding long-term outcomes is warranted. To date, motivational interviewing for difficulties faced by juvenile offenders beyond that of substance misuse does not appear to have received much research attention. Juvenile offenders are known for their difficulty to engage in rehabilitative services, therefore further investigation of the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in encouraging engagement is warranted.

Preliminary investigations have also developed a conceptual framework for the delivery of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) to incarcerated substance-misusing juveniles, with qualitative impressions suggesting this is a potentially feasible and efficacious intervention. 84 Although literature regarding the effectiveness of MBI in juvenile offenders is scarce, qualitative feedback has indicated positive reception of this style of intervention, with particular improvements in subjective well-being reported by juvenile participants. 85

Employment and education

Engaging juvenile offenders with education and skills-based training is an important component of successful rehabilitation, with positive engagement in meaningful activities associated with improvements in areas such as self-belief 86 and protection against future participation in criminal activities. 87 It is concerning therefore that an evaluation of the use of leisure time over a 1-week period by probationary juvenile offenders in Australia indicated only 10% of this time was spent engaging in productive activities, such as employment or education, with 57% used for passive leisure activities, a level 30% higher than that of their non-offender peers. 88

Efforts to engage juvenile offenders in vocational and/or occupational activities have shown benefits in a number of areas. A specialised vocational and employment training programme (CRAFT) emphasising practical skills was evaluated against conventional education provision to juvenile offenders in the USA. Over a 30-month follow-up period, those engaged in CRAFT were significantly more likely to be in employment, to have attended an educational diploma programme and to have attended for a significantly longer period of time. 89 Benefits have also been reported with regard to risk of reoffending, with an after-school programme in the USA incorporating practical community projects, educational sessions and family therapy resulting in a significant reduction in recidivism at 1-year follow-up. 90

Qualitative investigations of US juvenile offenders suggest there is not a lack of interest in pursuing education among this population, but rather a disconnection with educational systems when education providers are perceived not to care about students' progress. 91 Ensuring education providers are perceived as proactive and caring in this regard may therefore be an important consideration for efforts to engage juvenile offenders with educational systems. Significant barriers to engagement include difficulties in obtaining accurate information regarding the offender's educational history, in addition to identifying community-based education providers willing to accept previously incarcerated juveniles on their release. 92

Language and communication

Difficulties with language and communication skills appear to be prevalent among juvenile offenders, with estimates of those falling into the poor or very poor categories ranging from 46 to 67%; overall, up to 90% of juvenile offenders demonstrated language skills below average. 93 Specifically, high rates of illiteracy are reported in this population, 94 with evidence to suggest that an awareness of such problems among juvenile offenders themselves is associated with dissatisfaction and poor self-esteem. 95 These difficulties may act as barriers to engagement in therapeutic interventions, particularly those delivered in group settings, as well as re-engagement with educational systems. Awareness of the challenges these young people face with regard to confidence and ability to communicate is important, and potential involvement of a speech and language therapist could be considered. Preventing deficits in language and communication through effective schooling and appropriate support in the early years of life may serve as an aid to effective engagement in rehabilitative interventions, and may also mitigate the risk of engagement in criminal activities in the first instance.

Delivery of therapeutic services

Common challenges to a therapeutic youth justice pathway.

There are common obstacles to smooth care pathways between different parts of systems, such as in transitions between secure settings and the community, between prisons and secure psychiatric settings, and between child and adult services. In some jurisdictions individuals can only be treated pharmacologically against their will in a hospital setting, a safeguard which limits the extent to which individuals can be treated in prison, but there is still great scope for intervention by prison mental health teams in juvenile prisons.

Factors associated with good outcomes

A meta-analysis has revealed three primary factors associated with effective interventions for juvenile offenders: a ‘therapeutic’ intervention philosophy, serving high-risk offenders, and quality of implementation. 96 These findings are consistent with factors posited as correlating with good outcome in residential centres for troubled adolescents and juvenile offenders: good staff-adolescent relations, perception of staff as pro-social role models, positive peer pressure, an individualised therapeutic programme approach, developmentally appropriate programmes and activities, clear expectations and boundaries, and placement locations which allow for continued family contact. 97 , 98

In the community, coercive styles of engagement have been found to be less successful at achieving adherence among juvenile offenders than a client-centred approach. 99

Factors associated with poor outcomes

‘Scared Straight’ programmes expose juveniles who have begun to commit offences to inmates of high-security prisons, yet these approaches have been discredited due to evidence that risk of recidivism may in fact increase following such exposure. 100 Similarly poor outcomes have been observed in programmes modelled on military boot camps, in which harsh discipline is considered to be of therapeutic benefit, 101 and initiatives such as curfew, probation and hearing juvenile cases in adult court were also shown to be ineffective in reducing recidivism. 13

Over recent years it has been repeatedly demonstrated that exposure to juvenile court itself appears to have a detrimental effect on juvenile offending. 102 – 104 This may be partially explained by effects of labelling, stigma and negative self-image associated with a criminal conviction, but also the practical consequences of sentences, including assortment of delinquent peers in community or prison sentences. Incarceration presents several additional harms, including disturbance of care and pro-social relationships, discontinuity in education, association with delinquent peers, and exposure to violence. Half of detained young offenders in the UK reported victimisation during their current prison term, 57 while 12% of incarcerated youth in the USA reported sexual victimisation in the previous year. 105 International agreements state that deprivation of liberty (such as juvenile prison) should be used as a last resort and for the shortest time necessary, so should be reserved for the highest-risk offenders. The cost of juvenile antisocial behaviour is known to be high, and to fall on many agencies. 106 The current climate of austerity in public services demands that any interventions should be not only effective, but also cost-effective, raising a clear challenge – and opportunity – for the implementation of interventions for this population of vulnerable young people. For example, parenting programmes have demonstrated sustained benefits for this population, 107 , 108 with economic analysis indicating gross savings of £9288 per child over a 25 year period. 109 Considered together with wider costs of crime, these gross savings exceed the average cost of parenting programmes (£1177) by a factor of approximately 8 to 1.

Conclusions

Many argue that we have a long way to go before arriving at ‘child friendly’ juvenile justice. 110 Around the world there are variable and inadequate legal frameworks that are not age-appropriate, there is a lack of age-appropriate services and establishments, and a lack of a specialist workforce, leading to challenges around training and supervision to work with this vulnerable population. In the UK and other high-income countries worldwide, forensic child and adolescent psychiatry is a multifaceted discipline incorporating legal, psychiatric and developmental fields. This approach has navigated clinical and ethical challenges and made an important contribution to welfare and justice needs by its adoption of an evidence-based therapeutic intervention philosophy.

Declaration of interests S.Y. has received honoraria for consultancy, travel, educational talks and/or research from Janssen, Eli Lilly, Shire, Novartis, HB Pharma and Flynn Pharma.

Juvenile Delinquency Causes and Effects

Causes and effects of juvenile delinquency: essay abstract, effects and causes of juvenile delinquency: essay introduction.

• Juvenile delinquency statistics
• Causes of juvenile delinquency
• Effects of juvenile delinquency
• Prevention of juvenile delinquency
• Solutions to juvenile delinquency

Effects and Causes of Juvenile Delinquency: Essay Conclusion

Works cited.

Given the widespread family, societal, community, and individual costs that come with high rates of juvenile delinquency, one cannot help to wonder what the government is doing about it. It is also everybody’s concern that the government may not be doing enough to make a difference.

At this point, it is important to note that one can effortlessly appear non-delinquent after a correctional program while the delinquent characteristics are intact deep inside him/her. Delinquency programs for the youth have continually focused on individual behavior while ignoring community, family, and neighborhood factors, which are the most critical factors contributing to delinquent behavior.

It is common knowledge that the problem of juvenile delinquency is immense in society, and thus a change of tact is critical if society is to overcome this problem. This paper will explore other factors that lead to juvenile delinquency and propose solutions to this problem.

Delinquency refers to the violation of a law by a child. It is analogous to the commitment of a crime by an adult. Juvenile delinquency is an issue of great concern in law enforcement and correctional circles.

Every state in the U.S. aims to reduce the number of juveniles being recruited to delinquency and the number of juvenile delinquents recidivating.

Despite the efforts taken in a bid to reduce the number of delinquents and recidivists, the U.S. continues to record high numbers of juvenile offenders in juvenile correctional facilities. This situation, therefore, calls for a nuanced approach to the issue of juvenile delinquency.

It is critical to understand the extent of the growth of juvenile offending. Statistics released by bureaus in various states indicate that the rate of juvenile offenses is increasing. Offending patterns among groups previously described as risk groups for juvenile delinquency are worsening or, at least, unchanging.

There is, therefore, the need to analyze the causes of juvenile delinquency, evaluate the effects that delinquency has on society, and develop interventions that can lead to a reduction in the rate of delinquency and recidivism among juveniles. This paper describes the problem of juvenile recidivism and suggests ways to reduce the delinquency rate.

Juvenile Delinquency Statistics

A substantial percentage of arrests made each day in the U.S. comprises people below the age of 18. It is estimated that the percentage of violent crime arrests currently stands at about 17 % (Barker 1). “Juveniles accounted for 16% of all violent crimes arrests and 32% of all property crime arrests in 1999. They accounted for 54% of all arson arrests, 42% of vandalism arrests, 31 % of larceny arrests, and 33% of burglary arrests” (“Juvenile Justice” 1).

The number of juveniles engaging in delinquent behavior in various states depends on racial disparities. Currently, black juveniles constitute the highest number of youths being held in residential custody. Their number is almost twice the number of Hispanics held in residential custody and five times the number of white juveniles held in residential custody in the United States (“Juvenile Justice” 1).

In several cases, Juveniles are tried in adult courts. In fact, the Kansas and Vermont states in the U.S. have statutory provisions that allow the trial of juveniles as young as 10 years of age in adult courts. This situation may need review. It is because youth held in adult prisons tend to have a higher recidivism rate than those in juvenile systems (“Juvenile Justice” 1).

More than 1.7 million juvenile delinquency cases in the United States were disposed of in 1997. Two thousand of the aforementioned cases were criminal homicides. Forcible rape constituted 6,500, while aggravated assault cases totaled 67,900. Out of the 1.7 million, 180,000 cases were drug-related (“Juvenile Justice” 1).

The statistics outlined above show the seriousness of the issue of delinquency in the United States. Given the effects of delinquency on society, it is vital to understand the causes of delinquency. It is also critical to develop solutions and prevention strategies for delinquency.

Causes of Juvenile Delinquency

There have been heated debates among criminologists, psychologists, and sociologists concerning the possible causes of juvenile delinquency. The causes included in the following discussion have been proven through practical research.

One of the leading causes of delinquent behavior among juveniles is peer influence. Research shows that young people who form relationships with positive individuals and groups that pursue positive commitments tend to shun delinquent behavior. However, juveniles can engage in activities that do not have concrete objectives and commitments.

These activities will likely lead to volatile relationships that may encourage delinquent behavior. Examples of these behaviors include drinking and smoking. Other behaviors without commitment that juveniles may engage in include watching television and spending too much time watching movies.

Although most people attach no harm to these activities, research has proven that the more time peers spend watching television, the more likely they are to engage in delinquent behaviors (Mandel 1).

Family influence is another factor that has been proven to contribute to juvenile delinquency. It is even suspected that family influence contributes to delinquent behavior more than peer pressure. Research has proven that families in which there is no strong emotional bonding tend to have juveniles who turn out to be delinquent.

The reason is that the juveniles may develop psychological problems like rejection and low self-esteem, leading to delinquent behavior. Other causes of psychological problems like trauma and low self-esteem are also linked to delinquency. The two can originate from sources outside the family.

Children abused or exposed to family violence are likely to be delinquents. Some studies have linked genes to delinquency, arguing that children whom criminals and drug addicts raise are likely to become delinquent. Another risk is a family in which there are no effective communication channels. Children raised in this kind of family may have issues they want to address, but they may lack an audience.

This cause is likely to make them result in delinquent behavior. Non-traditional families like reconstituted families and single-parent families may also be a factor. Research has shown that children raised by single parents or divorcees tend to be more delinquent than their counterparts raised in traditional families (Mandel 1).

Race is a significant factor in predicting delinquent behavior. The main reason why race is a determinant factor for delinquency is that minority groups are not accorded the same treatment as other races. This makes them live disgruntled lives, which may make them have delinquent behavior.

Once the delinquency trend is set in a certain race, peer influence fuels recidivism and fresh offense. It is important to note that numerous scholars argue that race is not the factor, but racism is (Mandel 1).

Effects of Juvenile Delinquency

Juvenile delinquency is a big problem that affects not only the victims of the delinquents but also the juvenile delinquents themselves, their families, and even society as a whole. Juvenile delinquents may not be able to predict the effect of their crimes on themselves, but, as stated, they are seriously affected by these crimes.

Most of these crimes make the juvenile lose his/her freedom because he/she may be placed on probation or even incarcerated. This will also affect the academic welfare of the juvenile because he or she will miss academic activities that will take place during probation or incarceration.

In cases where the juvenile is placed in a residential center for the detention of juveniles, he/she may be influenced by more experienced juvenile delinquents (Barker 1). It will make the juvenile more likely to recidivate and suffer re-offense consequences. The delinquency of the minor may even dictate his or her career choices in the future.

The trauma of having a juvenile delinquent in a family can create instability for other family members. The family has to meet the needs of the juvenile in trouble and raise lawyer’s fees. The family also has an ethical obligation to the victim of the delinquent. Families are required to attend counseling sessions as a group. This is usually costly and disruptive (Barker 1).

Juvenile delinquency is closely related to sexual behavior, drug use, gang involvement, etc. All these negatively affect the community because it makes the community unsafe and makes the government spend colossal sums of money on school safety and law enforcement.

As stated, juvenile delinquency has severe effects on some societal groups. It, therefore, affects society negatively by affecting the community, families, individuals, etc. The problem also challenges government agencies, organizations, educators, faith communities, and politicians (Barker 1).

Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency

Due to the contribution of family influence to juvenile delinquent behavior, it is vital to ensure that families positively impact children. This can be achieved by ensuring strong emotional bonding in the family and by laying out effective strategies for communication.

Children raised by families that do not conform to the traditional family should be closely watched to curb the development of delinquent behavior. Schools should also ensure that they know the backgrounds of children in order to fill the gaps that may be left by the parents (Saminsky 1). For instance, teachers can help to counsel a child who witnesses violence at home or a child whose parent is a criminal.

Parents should ensure that they closely monitor the kind of company that their children keep. They should ensure their children engage in productive social activities (Saminsky 1). These measures will help reduce the chances of their children becoming delinquents. In school, teachers should keep a close eye on pupils to ensure that they know their activities.

Pupils should be appropriately searched in school to ensure they do not carry guns and drugs. This step will ensure that delinquent pupils do not influence others. It will also help identify delinquent children so they can be counseled or even sent for correctional services.

Although controversial, another way of preventing delinquency is reducing or eradicating racism. This method will target delinquents in minority groups. It will help reduce the number of juveniles in these minority groups who commit offenses because they will not commit racism-inspired crimes.

It will also help boost teenagers’ self-esteem in these minority groups. Thus instances of offenses caused by low self-esteem will be limited in these minority groups (Saminsky 1).

Solutions to Juvenile Delinquency

The best way to reduce the number of delinquency cases is by using the preventative measures outlined in the paragraph above. The preventative measures should be holistic in the sense that they should include all the people in the lives of the juveniles.

The juveniles should be monitored and guided while at home and counseled and monitored while in school. Juveniles who are at high risk of developing delinquent behavior should be watched closely and given special treatment so that they do not end up offending (Rose 1).

Another way of reducing the number of delinquency cases is by reducing the rates at which juvenile delinquents recidivate. It can be achieved by having legislation that ensures that juveniles are corrected differently and in facilities different from the ones used for adult correction.

The reason is that, from the statistics section, juveniles corrected in the same facilities as adult offenders are more likely to recidivate than their counterparts in juvenile facilities. The recidivism rates of young offenders can also be reduced by having a program to correct delinquents. This is most appropriately implemented while the delinquents are in custody.

The program should be holistic, and thus it should consist of counseling services offered by a psychologist, recreational facilities, and training (Rose 1). The counseling services will give a platform in which the juveniles can freely share their experiences, and thus their healing process can be sped up.

The recreational facilities will give the juveniles alternative hobbies that will occupy their time after they are released from custody. Thus they will have less time to consider re-offending. Lastly, the training will equip the juvenile who may have quit school with entrepreneurial skills that they can utilize to make money after they are released from custody. It will, therefore, help to reduce the number of cases where juveniles re-offend due to financial problems.

Juvenile delinquency can also be reduced by effective policing that will ensure that community criminals do not recruit juveniles into crime. It is common to hear of gangs using schoolchildren to market drugs and carry assault weapons. This practice should be discouraged by vigilance from parents and teachers and effective community policing.

From the discussion above, it is clear that delinquency is an enormous societal problem. Juvenile delinquency is caused by several factors, including peer influence, influence by the juvenile’s family, race, and other related factors like low self-esteem and trauma.

The effects of delinquency are far-reaching, and they, therefore, affect the community, victims of the delinquent, society as a whole, and even the delinquents themselves. Therefore, it is vital to address this issue to reduce the rates of offense and re-offense.

Several interventions can be used to prevent and reduce delinquency and recidivism. These interventions can be implemented in the family, school, or even correctional facilities. School and family-level interventions are mainly aimed at preventing recidivism, while the interventions implemented at correctional facilities are aimed at reducing recidivism.

Thus, these interventions must be taken seriously to reduce the number of delinquents in society. This will, in turn, reduce the number of delinquency victims, the number of affected families, and the amount of resources that the government will spend on law enforcement and correctional services. Therefore, it will lead to a better society.

Barker, Leslie. “ The Effects of Juvenile Delinquency ”. Ehow.com . 2011.

Juvenile Justice. “Basic Statistics”. Pbs.org . 2011.

Mandel, Sharon. “ What Causes Juvenile Delinquency? ” Filthylucre.com . 2008.

Rose, Nancy. “ The Solution to Juvenile Delinquency is Simple ”. Public.asu.edu . 2010.

Saminsky, Alina. “ Preventing Juvenile Delinquency : Early Intervention and Comprehensiveness as Critical Factors”. Studentpulse.com . 2011.

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Rewriting the Playbook for Reducing Juvenile Delinquency

There is a grow­ing body of evi­dence that iden­ti­fies effec­tive inter­ven­tions that get young peo­ple back on track. These devel­op­men­tal­ly appro­pri­ate strate­gies sup­port jus­tice-involved youth while also reduc­ing juve­nile delin­quen­cy. As the Casey Foun­da­tion explained in its report on trans­form­ing juve­nile pro­ba­tion , lessons from this research are help­ing juve­nile jus­tice reform­ers and oth­er stake­hold­ers use state-of-the-art think­ing to design inter­ven­tions that pro­mote per­son­al growth, pos­i­tive behav­ior change and long-term suc­cess for young peo­ple. These strate­gies include:

Offer­ing sup­port — not sur­veil­lance. Since the brain does not ful­ly mature until age 25 or so, risky behav­iors are com­mon­place dur­ing ado­les­cence. Most youth grow out of delin­quen­cy with­out any inter­ven­tion from the jus­tice system.

Adopt­ing a less is more approach for low-risk youth. For­mal pro­cess­ing and pro­ba­tion super­vi­sion are coun­ter­pro­duc­tive for youth who are at low risk of rear­rests. The bet­ter option? Issue a warn­ing and stay out of the way, accord­ing to research. For exam­ple: A  2013 meta-analy­sis found that low-risk youth placed in diver­sion pro­grams reof­fend 45 % less often than do youth with sim­i­lar case his­to­ries who face for­mal court pro­cess­ing or more inten­sive sanc­tions, like incarceration.

Nur­tur­ing matu­ri­ty . Pro­grams that boost psy­choso­cial mat­u­ra­tion through pos­i­tive youth devel­op­ment oppor­tu­ni­ties and coun­sel­ing — par­tic­u­lar­ly cog­ni­tive behav­ioral approach­es designed to improve prob­lem solv­ing and self-con­trol — tend to reduce recidi­vism rates by a con­sid­er­able mar­gin. In con­trast: Inter­ven­tions that pro­mote deter­rence and dis­ci­pline tend to actu­al­ly increase recidi­vism while inter­ven­tions that involve sur­veil­lance tend to have lit­tle or no effect on recidivism.

Incen­tiviz­ing pos­i­tive behav­ior — not pun­ish­ing mis­be­hav­ior. As Drex­el Uni­ver­si­ty psy­chol­o­gist Nao­mi Gold­stein and a team of col­leagues wrote in the Tem­ple Law Review: ​ “ Incen­tives are an impor­tant com­po­nent of behav­ioral man­age­ment sys­tems because they help youths learn and imple­ment new, desired behav­iors. In con­trast, although apply­ing pun­ish­ment often results in a reduc­tion or sup­pres­sion of cer­tain con­duct, this tech­nique only inhibits unde­sired behav­iors; it does not replace them with desired ones.” This echoes research, report­ed by the U.S. Depart­ment of Jus­tice , sug­gest­ing that youth and adults on pro­ba­tion respond bet­ter to rewards and incen­tives for pos­i­tive behav­ior than they do to pun­ish­ments and sanc­tions for neg­a­tive behavior.

By shar­ing infor­ma­tion on inter­ven­tion strate­gies that con­sis­tent­ly reduce delin­quen­cy, the Annie E. Casey Foun­da­tion hopes to encour­age local action, research, inno­va­tion and learn­ing that will move juve­nile pro­ba­tion and oth­er facets of the juve­nile jus­tice sys­tem toward their full potential.

Read more on the Foundation’s Vision for Trans­form­ing Juve­nile Probation

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• Positive Youth Development

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Causes and Solutions of Juvenile Delinquency

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IJPUBLICATION

Srinivas Katherasala

Juvenile delinquency is an enormous problem in India by which most of the youth ruin their lives. On account of adolescent wrongdoing and relate issues youth, their families and the whole society endure numerous fallouts. Besides the fact that the issue influences the survivors of the wrongdoing; it additionally influences the adolescent reprobates family, The most significant result of violations perpetrated by adolescents conveys due to financial and mental issues which consider their relatives and the general public. The primary goal of this paper is to concentrate on the frequency of adolescent misconduct regarding mental viewpoints. The adolescent who carry out serious wrongdoings challenge their future to fight apparent maltreatments that have been executed against them. "Current cultures appear to see youngsters in a fairly irresolute way. The last many years of the 20th century gave us two or three telling models from a few nations. From one perspective, the kids and adolescents are seen as requiring care and security. Assuming that they become delinquent, instructive measures are believed to be the fitting in the event that not vital response to the issues they are causing or may experience the ill effects of. This is the overall disposition among everybody in most of nations on the planet, insofar as the offenses committed by youths don't rise steeply in numbers and stay frivolous or moderate in quality.

International Journal of Humanities and Social Development Research

Nurcan Hamzaoğlu

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Cause/Solution Essay Topic: Juvenile Delinquency

Updated On Jan 19, 2024

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IELTS Writing Prediction Questions for 2024

One of the various types of essays that can be asked in the  IELTS W riting task 2 is a problem solution essay. IELTS problem solution essay requires candidates to talk about a specific problem or its causes and suggest possible solutions to the same. The problem-solution essay topics like Juvenile Delinquency are based on real-life situations and issues and are essential to be familiar with the pattern of the essay topics in order to perform well in Writing Task 2.

Given below is an example of a problem & solution essay. Let’s understand how to frame the essay from the ideas we have.

In some countries, a high proportion of criminal acts are committed by teenagers. Why has this happened? What can be done to deal with this?

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Do you have an essay on this topic? Please post it in the comments section. One of our IELTS trainers will evaluate your essay from an examiner’s point of view and reply to the comment. This service is completely FREE of cost.

Cause solution Essay

Introduction

• Give insight about the topic and elaborate briefly.
• Give prelude to what can be expected in the essay
• Paragraph 1: Cause (Without supervision from parents or caregivers, children’s extreme behaviours such as aggression, hostility or defiance are given free rein to develop in their later lives. In addition, there is a direct correlation between the lack of engagement in educational activities and serious criminal offending in children.)
• Paragraph 2: Solution (The better cure for young criminals is rehabilitation. Throughout education and training, the youth can realise their wrongful actions and be given opportunities to turn over a new leaf and transform themselves into useful members of society later in life.)

Reparaphrase the question and end up with the solution stated.

Sample Essay

Today, youth crime is rife. Theft, burglary or even murder are now committed by people of younger and younger ages. The aim of this essay is to investigate the factors responsible for the increase in juvenile delinquency and put forward a number of ways to appropriately punish young offenders.

It is observed that extreme behaviours are exhibited by most children from dysfunctional families. Without supervision from parents or caregivers, children’s extreme behaviours such as aggression, hostility or defiance are given free rein to develop in their later lives. In addition, there is a direct correlation between the lack of engagement in educational activities and serious criminal offending in children. Out of boredom, children befriend antisocial peers and will gradually copy their behaviours. Media also plays an enormous role in shaping children’s criminality. For example, games such as grand theft auto can desensitise younger players to extreme acts of violence and cruelty, encourage them to commit crimes while giving them the impression that it is morally acceptable to do so.

Imprisonment is often cited as a way to punish juvenile offenders. However, it is my view that this approach can produce extremely destructive effects. The youth can potentially be victims of physical or sexual abuse from older prisoners, as well as can adopt their negative behaviours. I feel that the better cure for young criminals is rehabilitation. Throughout education and training, the youth can realise their wrongful actions and be given opportunities to turn over a new leaf and transform themselves into useful members of society later in life.

There are reasons to explain why today antisocial behaviour among the youth nowadays has reached a historically unprecedented high and rehabilitation is the answer for this.

Band 9 Sample Essay

It has been pervadingly seen that the crimes by the hands of juveniles, due to various reasons, is seen a menace to society and more so, their conditioning. This essay discusses the causes of this and the possible solutions to cope up with this increasing plight.

It is generally observed that such heinous offences by teenagers, which are today hysterically expanding, are because of the clamorous and derisive environment children are being subjected to. The environment in which they thrive and prosper is somehow the most pronounced cause of such misdemeanour. Reportedly, the type of personality one develops is often predetermined by the parenting, and upbringing one goes through in childhood. Secondly, the prospering technology and its directly proportional deleterious side effects, which includes unsupervised and disproportional exposure to provocative and misleading content. Some online games promote burglary, while some might cause one to have a belligerent attitude. Misleading television shows and graphical content percolates in the innocent and malleable mindsets of the children, thereby causing them to commit such serious actions.

A possible remedy to this starts right away from the way children are brought up. Being extra vigilant while they are around and cutting the unnecessary vulnerability of being influenced in the wrong helps children a great deal. Digital usage is understandably ineludible. However, in the supervision of a responsible adult and the perusal of them, the risks and perils of children being guided in a corrosive way are palliated to a much greater extent. Schools should alarmingly and intensively monitor the children who are being browbeaten by the hands of bullies, as surveys have often suggested that those are the children who are usually more susceptible to committing a crime.

Therefore, it could be summed up that though it is undoubtedly a problem to society as a whole, by proper monitoring, parenting, and supervision, juvenile misconduct could be largely contained and alleviated.

• Youth crime is rife: Youth crime is very common.
• Juvenile delinquency: act of crime committed by the young
• Defiance (n.): behaviour in which you refuse to obey others
• Aggression (n.): behaviour that is threatening or involves harm
• To be given free rein to develop: go uncontrolled.
• Desensitise (v.): cause people to experience emotion less strongly than before.
• Out of boredom: Because they are bored
• To produce extremely destructive effects: have bad results.
• Wrongful actions: Actions which are unfair and illegal
• To turn over a new leaf: To become another person.
• Rehabilitation (n.): the act of returning someone to a good condition, normal life.

Here are some related topics for you to practice:

• The problem of juvenile delinquency is increasing day by day. What are the reasons for this? Suggest a few solutions.
• It is often thought that the increase in juvenile crime can be attributed to violence in the media. What do you think is the reason for this phenomenon? Suggest some measures to combat this problem.
• In many countries, the age of criminals is getting lower. Provide reasons for this problem, along with solutions. Support your arguments with examples.

More Writing Task 2 Essay Topics

• Every year several languages die out
• Some People Think That Parents Should Teach Children How to be Good Members of Society
• Happiness is considered very important in life
• In some countries the average weight of people is increasing
• Young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school
• Research Indicates That the Characteristics We are Born With Have Much More Influence On Our Personality

Also check :

• Tips to write introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2
• Tips to write great writing essay
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Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

Effective IELTS Essay Connectors for Writing Task 2 & Task 1

Janet had been an IELTS Trainer before she dived into the field of Content Writing. During her days of being a Trainer, Janet had written essays and sample answers which got her students an 8+ band in the IELTS Test. Her contributions to our articles have been engaging and simple to help the students understand and grasp the information with ease. Janet, born and brought up in California, had no idea about the IELTS until she moved to study in Canada. Her peers leaned to her for help as her first language was English.

Explore other Problem Solution Essays

Janice Thompson

Kasturika Samanta

Post your Comments

Posted on Apr 16, 2022

Today, the cases of juveniles committing crimes are dramatically rising. While there are many contributing factors that are responsible for this negative trend, several ways are put forward to resolve it . This essay will discuss both the cause of the increase in juvenile delinquency and the measures taken to deal with this problem. The young offenders are the ones whose upbringings are usually subjected to the deprivation of love, care and affection from the family, which is the most important cause of their misdemeanors. A teenager growing up in a family where parents argue on a regular basis or are too occupied with are obviously given less love and attention than others whose parents are happy and often spend time together. As a result, the parents can hardly take notice of their unusual behaviors such as aggression, quick-temper,..which are signs of being susceptible to committing crime. Another cause of this phenomenon is the growing development of the technology, making it possible for teengers to access to television programs, internet, social media in a short at ease. At such an impressionable age, they are indubitably vulnerable to the misleading and violence – oriented content in these flatforms. A fighting game, for instance, enables the player to revive a lot of times and use violence to solve everything, instilling in the youngsters that this case is morally acceptable. Finally, teengers also imitate their friends to engage in violent incidents to impress them and become stand out or to prove that they are fashionable and updated. The solutions to this issue are undoubtedly come from schools and family as well as the community. Firstly, the family plays an essential role in the development of the juvenile’s characteristics and their acknowledge. Therefore, it is necessary that they make a close observation to the young and befriend them. Moreover, the schools are responsible for educating them about the drawbacks of violence and raising their awareness of not using force to solve disagreements. When it pertains to community, each person should avoid unsuitable manners and create a healthy environment for the children to thrive and prosper. To conclude, the reasons for underge crimes stem from family, the advance in technology and friends. However, the problem can be dealt with the aid of schools, families in particular and the community in general.

Posted on Apr 18, 2022

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Home » Articles » Juvenile Delinquency in India: Challenges and Solutions

Juvenile Delinquency in India: Challenges and Solutions

Reading Time - 13 minutes

by Varsha | Jul 8, 2023 | 0 comments

Introduction

Juvenile Delinquency is a term used to describe criminal behaviour committed by minors, typically below the age of 18 years. Juvenile delinquency has become a growing concern in India, where the majority of the population is under the age of 25 years. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (2019), more than 39,000 juveniles were arrested for various offences. Generally speaking, the term refers to a large variety of disapproved behaviour in children and adolescents which the society do not approve of and for which some kind of admonition, punishment or corrective measure is justified in the public interest. It therefore can be said that a juvenile is an adolescent person between Childhood, Manhood, Womanhood as the case may be who may turn into a potential offender if not checked.

This includes behaviours such as vandalism, theft, drug abuse, gang affiliation, and violent acts. Juvenile delinquency is a complex social and legal issue that arises from various factors such as family dysfunction, poverty, peer pressure, substance abuse, and mental health disorders.

Juvenile delinquency is a serious problem that affects communities, families, and individuals. It can have long-term negative consequences for the individual as well as the society as a whole. It is essential to understand the root causes of juvenile delinquency to prevent it from occurring and intervene early to provide appropriate support and resources to those at risk. The criminal justice system and social service agencies play a significant role in addressing juvenile delinquency and rehabilitating young offenders.

Legal Development of Juvenile Laws in India

The development of juvenile laws in India can be traced back to the enactment of the Children Act, 1960. This law aimed to provide care, protection, and treatment to children below the age of 18 who are in need of such help. In 1986, the Juvenile Justice Act (JJA) replaced the Children Act with the objective of providing a comprehensive child protection framework that takes into account the best interests of the child. (Pranjape, 2022)

The JJA 1986 was amended in 2000 and 2006 to strengthen the protection of the child’s rights and to address concerns related specifically to children in conflict with the law. Under these amendments, the age of juveniles was increased from 16 to 18 years, keeping in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The purpose of this change was to ensure that children are not treated as adults in the criminal justice system and to provide a separate and distinct framework for the management of juvenile justice. (Mishra, 2022)

Further amendments were made in 2011, and a new Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 was enacted. The JJ Act, 2015 aims to provide a more comprehensive framework for the care, protection, and rehabilitation of children. It introduces a restorative justice system that emphasizes reform and rehabilitation of children rather than punishment.

The JJ Act, 2015 also has provisions for the establishment of specialized juvenile justice bodies such as the Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees. These bodies are designed to ensure the effective implementation of the Act and to guarantee that the child’s best interests are given due consideration in all decisions that affect them.

Factors of Juvenile Delinquency

There is a growing tendency in youngsters to be arrogant, disobedient, disruptive and violent to the law with a result there has been a considerable rise in the incidence of juvenile delinquency. These kinds of behaviours are influenced by multiple factors present and are governed by a person’s experiences, associations, teachings, culture, influences etc, some of the factors which affect/causes are: (Kaur, 2019)

• Family problems – this can include parental neglect, abuse, divorce, or a lack of parental guidance. Family dynamics such as parental neglect or abuse, lack of supervision, parental conflict or separation, substance abuse, poverty, and criminal behaviour can contribute to delinquent behaviour among juveniles. The British Home Secretary Mr. Butler once said that “the natural consequence of broken homes is lack of parental control, absence of security and want of love and affection towards children, which are contributing factors for juvenile delinquency. An unprecedented increase in divorce cases and matrimonial disputes is one of the major causes for disrupting family solidarity. Discriminatory or step-motherly treatment of children also has an adverse effect on the psychology of the child. A neglected child shows certain behaviours which may lead him to either be numb towards how other people feel and may lead to finding ways to vent out the frustration and anger which might not be good for society as he is not under healthy supervision or he may start to seek validations too much from a person who he thinks is gives him any importance and he starts to follow him blindly which when met with bad association lead to children committing such acts which constitute a crime just for the sake of validation from the person influencing him.
• Peer pressure – teenagers may feel the need to conform to what their peers are doing, even if it means breaking the law. The influence of peer groups can push juveniles to engage in risky and criminal behaviour, seeking acceptance or social status. In many cases, juveniles who engage in criminal activities do so because of peer influence. They may feel like the only way to fit in with their peers is to participate in illegal activities, even if they know it’s wrong. They may also feel pressure to impress their peers or gain their approval, leading them to engage in delinquent behaviour. Furthermore, peer pressure can discourage juveniles from reporting or seeking help for their delinquent behaviour. They may fear that their peers will ostracize them for “snitching,” which can lead to continued delinquent behaviour and lack of intervention. It is important for parents, teachers, and mentors to be aware of the risks and dangers of peer pressure and work towards educating juveniles on how to resist negative influences. Building positive relationships, emphasizing the importance of character, and promoting healthy decision-making can all help prevent juvenile delinquency caused by peer pressure.
• Mental health issues – some juveniles may struggle with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD, which can lead to delinquent behaviours. Many research studies have shown that children with mental health problems are more likely to become involved in criminal activities than those without mental health problems. Moreover, children with mental health issues often face stigmatization, bullying, and rejection by society, which exacerbates their distress and can contribute to delinquent behaviour. Thus, it is crucial to identify and address mental health problems in youth offenders to reduce the risk of recidivism and improve their well-being. Interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, family therapy, and psychotropic medication treatments have demonstrated efficacy in managing behavioural problems and improving mental health outcomes in juvenile offenders. In addition, early diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems in children can significantly reduce the likelihood of delinquent behaviour later in life.
• Poverty – growing up in poverty can lead to a lack of resources, opportunities, and stable living conditions, which can increase the likelihood of delinquency. There is a strong relationship between poverty and juvenile delinquency. Children from low-income families are more likely to get involved in delinquent activities compared to their counterparts from well-off backgrounds. Some of the underlying factors contributing to poverty-related juvenile delinquency include:
• Lack of resources: Low-income families find it difficult to acquire basic necessities such as food, healthcare, and education. Children from such households may resort to theft, drug abuse or prostitution as a means of survival.
• Family instability: Unstable family structures, poor parenting, and domestic violence can contribute to delinquency. Children may become socially isolated and end up associating with their peers who engage in criminal activities.
• Poor education: Children from low-income families often attend underfunded schools, which can lead to poor academic performance. Academic failure can result in frustration and a lack of opportunities, leaving the youth vulnerable to delinquent behaviours.
• Lack of positive role models: Many children from low-income families lack positive role models, which can lead to low self-esteem and exposure to negative influences such as gangs.
• Substance abuse – teens who use drugs and alcohol may be more likely to engage in delinquent behaviour.

There is a well-established link between substance abuse and juvenile delinquency. Studies have shown that a significant number of juveniles who engage in delinquent behaviour have also used drugs or alcohol.

Substance abuse can increase the likelihood of juvenile delinquency in several ways. For one, drug and alcohol use can impair judgment, leading juveniles to engage in risky and illegal activities. Additionally, substance abuse can lead to increased aggression and violence, which can also result in delinquent behaviour.

Furthermore, substance abuse can often co-occur with other risk factors for delinquency, such as poverty, family dysfunction, and mental health issues. These risk factors can create a perfect storm of circumstances that increase the likelihood of juvenile delinquency.

Preventing and addressing substance abuse among juveniles is an important component in reducing delinquent behaviour. This can involve early intervention programs, substance abuse education, and counselling and treatment for juveniles who have already developed substance abuse problems. By addressing substance abuse, we can reduce the risk of delinquency and improve the overall well-being of young people.

• Neighbourhood environment – living in a high-crime area can expose juveniles to criminal activity and increase their risk of involvement in delinquent behaviour. (Trinidad, 2018)

The neighbourhood environment can also play a significant role in juvenile delinquency. Research has shown that youth who live in disadvantaged neighbourhoods with high rates of poverty, unemployment, and crime are more likely to engage in delinquent behaviour than youth living in more affluent and stable neighbourhoods.

Several factors within the neighbourhood environment can contribute to juvenile delinquency. For example, high rates of crime and violence can create a sense of fear and instability, leading youth to turn to delinquent behaviour as a means of protection or as a way to gain respect and status within their peer groups. Additionally, neighbourhoods with limited access to positive recreational opportunities or community programs may leave youth with few constructive outlets for their energy and creativity, increasing the likelihood of delinquent behaviour.

Other neighbourhood factors that may contribute to juvenile delinquency include poor quality housing, inadequate educational resources, and limited access to healthcare and social services. These factors can create significant stress and hardship for families and youth, increasing the risk of delinquent behaviour. Addressing neighborhood-level factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency can involve a range of interventions, such as community policing efforts, neighbourhood revitalization initiatives, and increased access to social and educational services. By creating more stable and supportive neighbourhood environments, we can reduce the risk of juvenile delinquency and promote positive outcomes for youth.

Charges of Sexual Offences against a Minor

Offenses against minors, including sexual offenses, are taken very seriously by society. While it is commonly perceived that such crimes are predominantly committed by adult men against women and children, it is important to recognize that this is not always the case. In recent years, there have been instances where minors themselves have been involved in committing these offenses.

Since the late 1980s, there has been growing concern about crimes committed by young people. Serious crimes carried out by children and adolescents have drawn the attention of criminologists, leading to an increased focus on understanding and addressing juvenile delinquency. It is worth noting that the country has indeed seen high rates of reported incidents of rape. Various factors, including patriarchal societal norms, a skewed sex ratio, and systemic issues, can contribute to the prevalence of such crimes. Efforts have been made to address these issues through legal reforms, awareness campaigns, and initiatives aimed at empowering women and creating a safer environment for all individuals.

It is crucial to approach these matters with sensitivity, acknowledging that anyone, regardless of age or gender, can be involved in committing sexual offenses. It is important to promote education, prevention, and appropriate legal measures to ensure the safety and well-being of minors and society as a whole.

A. Victim Compensation: Offences Against Women

Rape is one of the most heinous crimes against mankind. The impact it has on both the individual victim and society as a whole. The Supreme Court of India has recognized rape as not only a crime against the individual woman but also a crime against the entire society, as it violates the victim’s fundamental rights and has far-reaching psychological and social consequences.

To address the inadequacy in laws related to sexual offenses against women and children, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 was enacted, which led to the establishment of the Nirbhaya Fund. The Nirbhaya Fund was created to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of women and children. Additionally, the Central Victim Compensation Fund Scheme was set up by the Central Government in 2015 to provide compensation to victims of sexual offenses.

However, it is concerning that a significant portion of the Nirbhaya Fund remained unutilized after seven years, and a large number of minor rape victims did not receive any compensation. This highlights the challenges and bureaucratic issues in effectively implementing and disbursing funds.

In response to the need for victim compensation, the Supreme Court directed the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to establish a committee to develop Model Rules for Victim Compensation for sexual offenses and acid attacks. The committee finalized the Compensation Scheme for Women Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault/other Crimes in 2018, which sets out the minimum and maximum compensation amounts for different types of offenses.

According to the scheme, victims of gang rape are eligible for a minimum compensation of Rs 5 lakhs and up to a maximum of Rs 10 lakhs.

In cases of rape and unnatural sexual assault, the minimum compensation is set at Rs 4 lakhs, with a maximum of Rs 7 lakhs. For victims of acid attacks resulting in disfigurement of the face, the minimum compensation is Rs 7 lakhs, and the maximum is Rs 8 lakhs.

The Supreme Court has accepted this scheme as applicable nationwide, establishing it as the prevailing law in India regarding victim compensation for sexual offenses.

It is crucial to ensure that such compensation schemes are effectively implemented and that victims of sexual offenses receive the support and justice they deserve. Efforts should also be made to address the bureaucratic challenges to streamline the disbursal of funds and provide timely and adequate compensation to the victims. (Hassant, 2021)

B. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) is an important legislation enacted by the Indian Parliament to protect children from sexual offenses. It was passed on May 22, 2012, and came into force on November 14, 2012. The primary objective of the POCSO Act is to safeguard children from various forms of sexual abuse, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, and child pornography. It applies to individuals below the age of 18 years, as they are considered children under the law.

The act emphasizes the need for prompt action and relief to the victims. It establishes special procedures for reporting, recording, and investigating complaints of sexual offenses against children. It aims to ensure that the legal process is child-friendly and minimizes the trauma experienced by the victims during the investigation and trial. Under the POCSO Act, not only committing an offense but also aiding, abetting, or facilitating the sexual abuse of a child is considered a punishable offense. This extends the scope of liability to those who assist or support the perpetrators in carrying out the abuse. To facilitate efficient and swift disposal of cases, the act mandates that the trial should be conducted in special children’s courts. These courts are designated specifically for handling cases under the POCSO Act and are equipped with child-friendly facilities and personnel trained to handle such sensitive matters. Special measures are in place to ensure that child victims are protected during the trial and do not come face-to-face with the accused while testifying. Despite the importance and necessity of the provisions and regulations outlined in the POCSO Act, it is true that awareness and implementation of the law remain areas of concern. Efforts should be made to raise awareness about the act among the general public, ensure effective implementation, and provide necessary support and rehabilitation to the victims of child sexual offenses.

Juvenile Justice Board: Introduction and Functions

The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) is a specialized court in India that deals with cases involving juveniles. The board is established under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which is the primary legislation governing juvenile justice in India. (Admin, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, n.d.)

The JJB is responsible for hearing cases involving juveniles who are alleged to have committed offenses. The board consists of a magistrate and two social workers or child welfare experts, one of whom must be a woman. The board is responsible for ensuring that the juvenile’s rights are protected during the legal process, and for making decisions regarding the juvenile’s care and rehabilitation. Composition of Bench under Juvenile Justice Act, 2015

• Metropolitan Magistrate or Judicial Magistrate First Class (Principal Magistrate herein) [not being Chief Metropolitan Magistrate or Chief Judicial Magistrate] -Experience Required: 3 years
• Two social workers (one being a woman)
• Experience Required: Active involvement for 7 years in health, education or welfare activities pertaining to children; OR
• A practicing professional with a degree in child psychology, psychiatry, sociology or law.

The JJB has the authority to conduct a preliminary assessment of a juvenile who is accused of a heinous offense, which is an offense punishable by death or imprisonment for seven years or more. The assessment is designed to determine whether the juvenile had the mental and emotional maturity to understand the consequences of their actions. If the JJB determines that the juvenile had the capacity to understand the nature and consequences of the offense, they may order the juvenile to be tried as an adult.

In cases where a juvenile is found guilty of an offense, the JJB is responsible for deciding on an appropriate sentence or rehabilitation plan. The board may order the juvenile to be placed in a special home, where they can receive education, counselling, and vocational training.

A. Treatment of a Juvenile as an Adult in certain circumstances

According to Indian laws, a juvenile can be treated as an adult in certain circumstances. Section 4 of the Act provides for the constitution of Juvenile Justice Board for the inquiry and hearing the case of a juvenile in conflict of the law. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 allows for juveniles between the ages of 16 and 18 to be tried as adults if they have committed a heinous offense, which is defined as an offense punishable by death or imprisonment for seven years or more. (Paicker, 2019)

If a juvenile is accused of a heinous offense, the Juvenile Justice Board, which is responsible for hearing cases involving juveniles, may conduct a preliminary assessment to determine whether the offense was committed in a “child-like manner” or whether the juvenile had the mental and emotional maturity to understand the consequences of their actions. If the Board determines that the juvenile had the capacity to understand the nature and consequences of the offense, they may order the juvenile to be tried as an adult.

Treating juveniles as adults is a controversial issue, with some experts arguing that juveniles have not yet fully developed the cognitive and emotional capacities needed to fully understand the consequences of their actions. As such, the decision to treat a juvenile as an adult should be made carefully and based on a thorough assessment of the individual’s mental and emotional maturity.

B. General Procedure of Juvenile Justice Board

The Juvenile Justice Board in India follows a rehabilitative approach towards juvenile delinquency, with the focus on reforming and rehabilitating the juvenile rather than punishing them. (Admin, Juvenile Justice And Its Procedure In India, 2020)

General procedure of the Juvenile Justice Board of India:

• The police or any person can bring a juvenile in conflict with the law to the notice of the JJB.
• The JJB conducts a preliminary inquiry to determine if the juvenile has committed an offense or not. If the JJB finds that the offense committed is serious in nature, then the case is transferred to the Children’s Court.
• If the JJB decides to take up the case, it conducts a social investigation report which includes information about the juvenile, their family, and other related circumstances.
• Based on the social investigation report, the JJB determines the appropriate course of action for the juvenile. The options include diversion, counselling, probation, or sending the juvenile to a special home for rehabilitation
• If the JJB decides to send the juvenile to a special home, it conducts a detailed inquiry into the case and passes a final order.
• The JJB ensures that the juvenile is given proper care and protection during the course of the trial.
• If the juvenile is found to have committed the offense, the JJB decides the appropriate punishment, which is not supposed to be punitive but rather reformative and rehabilitative.
• The JJB also ensures that the rights of the juvenile are protected throughout the trial.

C. Powers and Functions of Juvenile Justice Board

Conducting preliminary inquiries: The JJB is responsible for conducting a preliminary inquiry to determine if a juvenile has committed an offense or not. If the offense is serious in nature, the case may be transferred to the Children’s Court. (WADHWANI, 2020)

Conducting social investigations: The JJB conducts a social investigation report to gather information about the juvenile, their family, and other related circumstances to determine the appropriate course of action.

Diversion of cases: The JJB has the power to divert cases away from the formal justice system and towards alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as counseling, mediation, and probation.

Sending juveniles to special homes: The JJB can send a juvenile to a special home for rehabilitation and reformative purposes.

Ordering medical and psychiatric evaluations: The JJB can order medical and psychiatric evaluations of the juvenile to assess their mental and physical health.

Providing care and protection: The JJB ensures that the juvenile is provided with proper care and protection during the course of the trial.

Adjudicating cases: If the JJB determines that the juvenile has committed an offense, it decides the appropriate punishment or sentence, which is not supposed to be punitive but rather reformative and rehabilitative.

Protecting the rights of the juvenile: The JJB ensures that the rights of the juvenile are protected throughout the trial. (Dave, 2020)

Borstals system

Borstals are a type of correctional institution for young offenders in some countries, including the United Kingdom, India, and some Commonwealth nations. The term “borstal” originated from the Borstal Prison, which was opened in 1902 in England. (Pranjape, 2022)

Borstals are designed to provide a strict, structured, and disciplined environment for young offenders who have been found guilty of committing crimes. The aim of borstal institutions is to reform and rehabilitate young offenders through education, vocational training, and discipline, with a focus on preventing them from reoffending in the future. (J, 2018)

In borstal institutions, young offenders are provided with basic education, life skills training, and vocational training in fields such as carpentry, metalwork, and agriculture. They are also subjected to strict discipline, with a focus on instilling self-discipline, obedience, and a sense of responsibility. In addition, young offenders in borstals are usually required to participate in physical exercise and sports activities. Borstals were introduced as an alternative to prisons for young offenders, with a focus on rehabilitation and reform rather than punishment. (Tripathi, 2020)

The Borstal System was introduced in India during the British colonial era, with the opening of the first Borstal School in 1911 in the city of Bangalore. The Borstal System was established as an alternative to the traditional punitive approach to dealing with juvenile delinquency and was based on the principles of education, training, and rehabilitation. (Ahuja, 2020)

Under this Act, Borstal Schools have been established in various parts of the country to provide education, vocational training, and counselling to young offenders aged between 16 and 21 years. The Borstal Schools in India offer a range of vocational training programs, including carpentry, tailoring, welding, and agriculture, among others. However, there have been criticisms of the Borstal System in India, with some arguing that the schools are overcrowded and understaffed, and that the training programs offered are inadequate. As a result, there have been calls to reform and improve the Borstal System in India to make it more effective in achieving its objectives.

In conclusion, juvenile delinquency is a serious problem that affects many young people and communities. It refers to the unlawful behaviour of minors, usually below the age of 18, who violate the law or engage in activities that are considered harmful to themselves or others. Juvenile delinquency can have a wide range of causes, including poverty, family dysfunction, peer pressure, lack of education and opportunities, substance abuse, mental health issues, and exposure to violence and trauma.

To address juvenile delinquency, it is important to adopt a comprehensive approach that focuses on prevention, early intervention, and rehabilitation. This includes investing in education and vocational training programs, providing counselling and mental health services, promoting positive family and community relationships, and implementing restorative justice practices.

The juvenile justice system should also be reformed to ensure that it is fair, effective, and rehabilitation-focused. This includes promoting diversion programs, providing alternatives to incarceration, and ensuring that young people are treated with dignity and respect throughout the process.

Overall, it is important for society to recognize that juvenile delinquency is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a collaborative effort to address. By investing in prevention and rehabilitation, we can help young people overcome the challenges they face and become productive members of society.

This article is written and submitted by Suryansh Sharan during his course of internship at B&B Associates LLP. Suryansh is a B.B.A. LLB 5th year student at ICFAI University Dehradun.

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Juvenile Delinquency Essay | Essay on Juvenile Delinquency for Students and Children in English

Juvenile Delinquency Essay: “In our country, children are considered a gift from heaven and if the child is a boy then nothing could be more soothing for the family as from the very beginning children are exempted from severe punishment for any wrong commitment on their part irrespective of the gravity of the act.” This one statement itself says and justifies for the social evil, our society is facing today: Juvenile Delinquency.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays On Juvenile Delinquency for Kids and Students in English

Given below are two essays in English for students and children about the topic of ‘Juvenile Delinquency’ in both long and short form. The first essay is a long essay on the Juvenile Delinquency of 400-500 words. This long essay about Juvenile Delinquency is suitable for students of class 7, 8, 9 and 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants. The second essay is a short essay on Juvenile Delinquency of 150-200 words. These are suitable for students and children in class 6 and below.

Long Essay on Juvenile Delinquency 500 Words in English

Below we have given a long essay on Juvenile Delinquency of 500 words is helpful for classes 7, 8, 9 and 10 and Competitive Exam Aspirants. This long essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 7 to class 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants.

In ordinary terms, a child roughly between the age of 7 to 16/18 years who is involved in some kind of a ‘status offence’ such as vagrancy, immortality, truancy and ungovern ability is a juvenile delinquent. Thus, juvenile delinquency is not just about under-aged criminals, who get involved in criminal activities. In fact, the term ‘juvenile delinquency’ refers to the violation of a code of conduct or a regular occurrence of certain patterns of disapproved behaviour of children and adolescents. The well accepted age at present for juvenile delinquents is 16 years for boys and 18 years for girls.

Juvenile delinquents are mainly classified on the basis of their behavioural patterns. They range from the escapers, who keep away from school and get involved in petty thefts and armed robberies, destruction of property, violence and sexual offences. They are also classified according to the type of violation they commit.

Thus, psychologists have grouped juvenile delinquents on the basis of their personality traits as mentally defective, psychotic, neurotic, situational and cultural delinquents. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, the trend of children committing crime has an alarming echo across the country.

It is extremely hard to trace and keep a check on juvenile delinquency as of all the delinquencies committed by juveniles, only a small percentage come to the notice of the police and the courts. Traditionally, surveys suggest that delinquencies like theft, burglary, robbery, dacoity and other such offences are most commonly committed by juveniles. But recent statistics reveal that juveniles have also been found actively involved in riots, murder, rape, kidnapping and abduction as well.

Reason being that courts and juvenile rights advocates believe that second chance should be given to youth who commit crimes, so criminals are walking in the streets, living as our neighbours and in many cases committing additional crimes.

The delinquency rates are comparatively much higher among boys than in girls. Children from broken homes or disturbed families who are either homeless or living with guardians are more likely to indulge in criminal activities. Low education or illiteracy and poor economic background are major features of juvenile delinquents. But now-a-days, it’s not only street children who take to crime, even children from well-off middle and upper middle class families are turning to crime due to peer pressure and crime thrill the hunger of adolescents to be heroes among their friends, the need to portray class and style, effect of cinema have propelled the rate of juvenile delinquency in the society.

The media plays a major role in creating bogus desires and images in the minds of the youth, for which they are willing to do anything. Moreover, unmonitored access to the internet is another reason for growth in these crimes, as many are caught swindling money from bank accounts. Children belonging to the elite class, who are either sons or daughters of politicians, businessmen are also found involved in criminal acts. This largely attributes to criminals going scot-free in high-profile criminal cases, so the fear barrier no longer exists.

Increased exposure combined with isolation is the root cause of these behavioural issues. Children are growing up much faster, but their conscience and ability to distinguish between right and wrong isn’t developing at the same rate and they don’t feel the need to think things through. In most cases, the cause behind juvenile delinquency is defective upbringing or no upbringing, faulty or no family interaction. Children are not born criminals.

It’s the situations and circumstances that lead them into delinquencies. Mostly all juvenile offences have deeper roots and serious situational factors which are responsible for a child behaving in a particular way. Family plays a vital role in structuring the mental, emotional and behavioural patterns of a child. Other factors that are responsible for the rise in juvenile delinquency are unhealthy neighbourhood, cinema, pornographic literature and bad company.

In UK, child between 10 to 18 years become criminally responsible for his action and be tried by the youth court or could be tried in an adult court as per the gravity of the offence committed. In our country too, the time has come to bring some reforms in the Juvenile laws. There is a steep rise in serious crimes involving youth of 16 to 18 years of age as they very well know that below 18 years is the ‘getaway pass’ for them from criminal prosecution. The punishment should be made a big deterrent in order to inject the feeling of fear in the mind of the criminals.

Short Essay on Juvenile Delinquency 200 Words in English

Below we have given a short essay on Juvenile Delinquency is for Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This short essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 6 and below.

In the recent 2012 Delhi gang rape case, media too highlighted that ‘Most Brutal’ of all the accused person was the juvenile. For the brutalising act, he has been sentenced to imprisonment for the period of 3 years where others have got the death sentence. The principle that should have been followed for trying juvenile offenders is that Juvenility should be decided as per the state of mind and not just the state of body.

Juvenile Justice Act, 1986 was enacted by our Parliament in order to provide care, protection, treatment, development and rehabilitation of neglected or delinquent as a uniform system of juvenile justice mechanism throughout our country. These days we have observation homes, reformatory schools, custody institutions, probation homes etc., to help juvenile delinquents reform themselves so that they can be gradually absorbed into the mainstream society.

Moreover, we need to pay greater attention to improving the average condition in a society so that no child confronts such situations that force them to adopt unacceptable behavioural patterns. We need to find ways and means to pool the youthful energy of the children in a constructive and desired direction.

11 Lines to Remember Essay on Juvenile Delinquency

• Exempted – to free from an obligation or liability to which others are subject
• Vagrancy – a person without a settled home or regular work who wanders from place to place and lives by begging
• Truancy – the action of staying away from school without good reason; absenteeism
• Psychotic – mentally unstable; intensely upset, anxious, or angry
• Neurotic – abnormally sensitive, obsessive, or anxious; disturbed; irrational
• Echo – a sound heard again and again, any repetition of the ideas or opinions
• Burglary -theft, robbery, illegal entry of a building with intent to commit a crime
• Propelled – drive or push something forward, to urge onward
• Bogus – false, fake, not genuine
• Swindling – to obtain money by fraud, to cheat for money
• Deterrent – a thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something

The largest country in the world at 17,075,400 square kilometres (or 6,592,800 sq mi), Russia has accumulated quite an impressive reputation. Covering more than an eight of the Earth's land area, 142 million people live there making it the ninth largest nation by population . Still known for its impressive days as the expansive Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Russia was the world's first and largest constitutionally socialist state. A recognized superpower, the USSR was known for its excellence in both arts and science winning many awards in both fields.

Russia changed drastically after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, but it continues to be a powerful and important nation. It has one of the world's fastest growing economies and the world's eight largest GDP by nominal GDP. Russia is also one of the five countries which officially recognized nuclear weapons states. In conjunction with this title, Russia is also a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the G8, APEC and the SCO, and is a leading member of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

A European city in a country that lies over a vast part of Asia, Moscow holds one-tenth of all Russian residents . The city is located in the western region of Russia and is the capital and epicentre of political, economic, cultural, religious, financial, educational, and transportation happenings. "Muscovites" , as residents are known, tend to be cultured and worldly. This may be due to the many scientific, educational, and artistic institutions that are based here. An intoxicating mix of the exotic and the familiar, it is the largest city in Europe with the Moscow metropolitan area ranking among the largest urban areas in the world.

The city is situated on the banks of the Moskva River which flows through much of central Russia. Moscow is actually located in a basin for the Volga, Oka, Klyazma, and Moscow rivers. The city of Moscow is 994 sq. km with 49 bridges spanning the rivers and canals that criss-cross the city.

Forests are another part of Moscow's make-up. They coveer over a third of the territory in the region. A variety of animals like elk, wild boar, deer, foxes, weasels, lynx, martens, and birds make their home here.

Located in the UTC+3 time zone , Moscow has a humid continental climate. The summers tend to be warm and humid and the winters are long, cold, and hard. High temperatures occur during the warm months of June, July and August at about 23 °C (73 °F). Heat waves sometimes grip the city anywhere between May to September with temperatures spiking up to 30 °C (86 °F). Winters are harshly chilly with temperatures dropping to approximately 9 °C (15.8 °F). There is consistent snow cover for 3 to 5 months a year, usually from November to March.

Update 10/07/2009

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