NCJ Number
146874
Date Published
1991
Length
665 pages
Annotation
The objectives of this book on juvenile delinquency are to present many diverse viewpoints; balance sections on theory, law, policy, and practice; be as thorough and up-to- date as possible; and make the study of delinquency interesting as well as informative.
Abstract
The first section examines the concept, measurement, trends, and nature of delinquency, focusing on problems faced by adolescents in modern society, abductions of children, and current trends in juvenile misconduct, including information on chronic offenders. The theories presented to explain juvenile delinquency range from choice and developmental theories to social structure, social process, and social reaction theories; another chapter covers theories related to female delinquency. The third section focuses on environmental influences on delinquency including the family, peers, schools, and drugs. The fourth section examines the history and current status of juvenile justice advocacy, while the fifth section discusses means of controlling juvenile offenders, beginning with police interactions and moving on to pretrial procedures, and the juvenile trial and disposition. The final section deals with juvenile corrections, including community treatment of the juvenile offender, institutionalization, and aftercare.