Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency
Mary-Katherine Guzofski
Liberty University

Abstract
An adolescent who engages in delinquent behavior is it a high risk of drug use and addiction, quitting school before graduation, future incarceration, and continued criminal behavior lasting into adulthood. Early intervention and prevention methods can divert juveniles from many of the adverse consequences that result from delinquency. Intervention is best done by parents in the home as they are the closest to the adolescent on a daily basis. Quality time and open communication are essential factures in the intervention and prevention of juvenile delinquency. Prevention stems from activities such as positive and interactive school attendance, and community involvement with a faith based church group. All of these methods are keys to prevent or minimize delinquent behavior.

.

Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency
A large number of inmates in adult facilities have been living a delinquent / criminal lifestyle since they were juveniles, therefore it is safe to say that focusing on prevention will produce an overall reduction in crime. Juvenile delinquency is on the rise and this is cause for concern. More serious crimes are being committed by adolescents, and the younger they start the more likely they are to continue their involvement in crime. Whether a juvenile’s delinquent behavior actually begins in childhood, or is a characteristic that develops later on in the teenaged years, immediate intervention is the key to prevention. According to de Vries, Hoeve, Asscher, and Stams (2014), “in order to prevent that juvenile offenders will develop a chronic and persistent criminal career, there is a great urge for evidence-based prevention programs” (p. 1). Teaching adolescents to engaging in lawful activities will help them adopt a positive outlook on society, and life as a