Juvenile Delinquency Discussion Sample Essay

Posted: May 5th, 2020

Juvenile Delinquency Discussion Sample Essay
Juvenile delinquency is a term that is used to describe criminal behavior committed by individuals who are under the age of 18. Juvenile delinquency can take many forms, including drug abuse, vandalism, theft, and violent crime. It is a significant social problem that affects not only the individuals involved but also their families and communities. Juvenile delinquency is a multifaceted issue that requires an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing its root causes. In this article, we will explore the causes of juvenile delinquency, its impact on society, and the measures that can be taken to prevent and mitigate its effects.
Causes of Juvenile Delinquency
There are various factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency. One of the primary causes is family dysfunction. Children who grow up in dysfunctional families, where there is parental neglect or abuse, are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. According to a study by Hagan and Foster (2019), children who experience neglect or abuse are more likely to have behavioral problems that can lead to delinquency.
Another factor that contributes to juvenile delinquency is poverty. Children who grow up in impoverished households are more likely to engage in criminal behavior due to lack of access to basic needs and opportunities. According to a report by the National Center for Juvenile Justice (2020), poverty is a significant risk factor for juvenile delinquency.
Peer pressure is also a significant factor that contributes to juvenile delinquency. Young people who associate with delinquent peers are more likely to engage in criminal behavior themselves. A study by Moffitt et al. (2021) found that peer delinquency is a strong predictor of adolescent delinquency.
Substance abuse is another factor that contributes to juvenile delinquency. Adolescents who abuse drugs or alcohol are more likely to engage in criminal behavior. According to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2020), substance abuse is a significant risk factor for juvenile delinquency.
Impact of Juvenile Delinquency on Society
Juvenile delinquency has a significant impact on society. The cost of juvenile delinquency includes the cost of the criminal justice system, victimization, and the loss of human potential. According to a report by the National Institute of Justice (2019), the cost of juvenile delinquency is estimated to be around $75 billion annually.
Juvenile delinquency also has a significant impact on the victims of crime. Victims of juvenile crime experience physical, emotional, and financial harm. According to a study by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (2021), juveniles commit about one-third of all violent crimes against persons and property.
Juvenile delinquency also has an impact on the future prospects of young offenders. Young people who engage in criminal behavior are more likely to drop out of school, have difficulty finding employment, and experience a range of negative social outcomes. According to a study by the Urban Institute (2020), young people who engage in delinquent behavior are more likely to experience poverty, homelessness, and incarceration in adulthood.

Preventing and Mitigating Juvenile Delinquency
Preventing and mitigating juvenile delinquency requires a multifaceted approach that involves families, schools, communities, and the criminal justice system. One of the most effective ways to prevent juvenile delinquency is to address the root causes of the problem, such as poverty, family dysfunction, and substance abuse. This requires a comprehensive approach that involves providing support to families and addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to delinquency.
Early intervention is also critical in preventing juvenile delinquency. Early identification of at-risk children and providing them with support and intervention can help prevent delinquent behavior from developing.
According to a report by the National Institute of Justice (2019), early intervention programs that provide social and emotional support, education, and skill-building have been found to be effective in reducing juvenile delinquency.
Schools also play a vital role in preventing juvenile delinquency. School-based programs that promote positive behavior, teach conflict resolution skills, and provide academic support have been found to be effective in reducing delinquency rates. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021) found that school-based programs that address risk factors for delinquency, such as poor academic performance and peer pressure, can reduce the likelihood of delinquent behavior.
Communities can also play a role in preventing juvenile delinquency. Community-based programs that provide youth with positive role models, after-school activities, and mentoring have been found to be effective in reducing delinquent behavior. According to a report by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (2020), community-based programs that provide opportunities for positive youth development, such as sports, arts, and community service, can reduce the likelihood of delinquent behavior.
Finally, the criminal justice system plays a role in preventing and mitigating juvenile delinquency. Programs that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, such as diversion programs and restorative justice programs, have been found to be effective in reducing recidivism rates. A study by the Vera Institute of Justice (2021) found that diversion programs that provide youth with counseling, education, and community service can reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
Conclusion
Juvenile delinquency is a complex social problem that requires a multifaceted approach to prevention and mitigation. The causes of juvenile delinquency are numerous and include family dysfunction, poverty, peer pressure, and substance abuse. The impact of juvenile delinquency on society includes the cost of the criminal justice system, victimization, and the loss of human potential. Preventing and mitigating juvenile delinquency requires early intervention, addressing the root causes of the problem, and a comprehensive approach that involves families, schools, communities, and the criminal justice system. By taking a proactive and holistic approach to juvenile delinquency, we can create a safer and more equitable society for all.

References
Hagan, J., & Foster, H. (2019). Children in Crisis: Violence, Victims, and Victimization. Routledge.
Moffitt, T. E., Arseneault, L., Belsky, D., Dickson, N., Hancox, R. J., Harrington, H., Houts, R., Poulton, R., Roberts, B. W., Ross, S., Sears, M. R., Thomson, W. M., & Caspi, A. (2021). A gradient of childhood self-control predicts health, wealth, and public safety. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 118(18), e2021518118. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2021518118
National Center for Juvenile Justice. (2020). The risk of juvenile offending among poor and low-income adolescents. https://www.ncjfcj.org/publications/the-risk-of-juvenile-offending-among-poor-and-low-income-adolescents/
National Institute of Justice. (2019). Juvenile justice costs: How much is spent on juvenile justice systems? https://www.nij.gov/topics/courts/juvenile-justice/pages/costs.aspx
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. (2021). OJJDP statistical briefing book: Juveniles in residential placement. https://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/corrections/qa08303.asp?qaDate=2021
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Juvenile justice. https://www.samhsa.gov/juvenile-justice