NCJ Number
89361
Journal
Revue internationale de criminologie et de police technique Volume: 35 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1982) Pages: 147-164
Date Published
1982
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article critiques juvenile delinquency processing procedures in Black Africa (e.g., Zaire), as well as the dominant research approaches, which use multifactorial analyses of urbanization effects upon juvenile delinquency.
Abstract
It proposes instead, a look at statistical and morphological aspects of the problem and at the workings of criminal justice and child protection services. It finds labeling effects arising from inappropriately criminalized behaviors, from the discretionary practices of arrest and prosecution authorities, and the absence of diversion alternatives. Particularly in the cultural milieu of African communities, judges should not be making disposition decisions regarding status offenders and other less serious forms of juvenile deviance. A model is proposed, whereby child protection committees would function within their communities and, in coordination with medical and social assistance agencies, prescribe appropriate intervention measures in line with indigenous customs. A variety of measures should be available, including temporary placement with another branch of the extended family and individualized forms of community service, reparation, and restitution. A total of 39 footnotes are given.