NCJ Number
78788
Date Published
1981
Length
99 pages
Annotation
This background paper is intended to provide a theoretical and conceptual framework for the design and testing of alternative intervention strategies for violent juvenile offenders.
Abstract
The major objectives of the paper are to (1) summarize current knowledge about juvenile violence, including the demographics, psychosocial characteristics, offense histories and careers, victimization patterns, and justice system processing of offenders; and (2) review theoretical literature on delinquency and juvenile violence, summarize current knowledge on correctional programming for violent juveniles, identify promising program approaches, and identify a theory base for rigorous testing in the national research and development program. The proposed intervention model identifies four underlying principles which operate on both internal and external bonds: social networking (socialization experiences and personal attachments), provision of youth opportunities, social learning, and goal-oriented interventions. Based on these principles, effective intervention approaches must be multifaceted and individually oriented. Each offender should be examined and assessed for contributing factors, which should indicate a treatment program consisting of an array of approaches that focus on the causes of violent delinquent behavior in the individual in the situational settings of family, school and peers, and the community. Linkages between the intervention model, the program design, and the research design are explained. Appended is an overview of the research design for the Violent Juvenile Offender Research and Development Program. A bibliography contains about 200 listings.