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The Problem of Juvenile Crime

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Submitted By Napoleone
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The problem of juvenile crime Juvenile delinquency refers to two types of law violations committed by minors: that which is illegal for both youths and adults such as homicide, rape, theft, or selling drugs, and so-called status offences, ungovernable behaviour that is illegal until the age of adulthood, such as truancy, runaway, alcohol use, or teen sexual relations. In most states the legal status of being a juvenile ends at 18; some states specify 16. Most states have waiver provisions whereby juveniles charged with serious felonies can be prosecuted as adults. What forces account for the escalation in juvenile crime? One factor is the decline of the family as an instrument of social control. Families are the focal point for the prevention of violence, drug abuse, and delinquency. A related problem is substance abuse. Serious drug abuse by youths is significantly related to crime. The higher the level of substance abuse, the greater the involvement in delinquency. The deterioration of inner-city neighborhoods is another contributing factor. Fear of crime itself has destroyed the economy in some neighborhoods; few entrepreneurs open business in high-crime areas. The middle classes have fled to the suburbs. As a result young people are not adequately exposed to the work ethic. Informal networks of church and community groups are drained of their most prominent middle-class members. The destruction of the legitimate economy makes illegal gains from crime even more attractive. In the criminal justice system, shock incarceration programs (“boot camps”) are touted as a method to reduce recidivism rates among young offenders. These quasi-military programs are designed to instill self-discipline and promote self-esteem in troubled youths. Typically, they provide educational, drug treatment, and vocational and counseling services to young

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