Influencing Juvenile Offenders by Way of Alternative Sanctions in Community Settings (From Criminal Behavior and the Justice System: Psychological Perspectives, P 382-398, 1989, Hermann Wegener, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-116624)

• NCJ Number: 116646
• Author(s): A R Hauber
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Springer-Verlag
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The background, use, and effects of alternative sanctions for juvenile offenders in the Netherlands are discussed from a psychological perspective, with emphasis on vandalism and the need for a differential approach in the handling of offenders.

Abstract

Crime and juvenile delinquency have increased rapidly in the Netherlands in the last 20 years. However, reported criminality represents only part of the actual crime. Juvenile criminality appears to result from the interaction of specific personality traits and certain elements in the environment. In addition, juvenile offenders vary greatly in their background, mentalities, and interests. A study of youthful vandals showed that boys whose parents were not interested in their activities, whose school achievement was poor, and who associated with bad friends had a high chance of engaging in vandalistic behavior. Youths who differed on these characteristics were only slightly vandalistic. Thus, a successful policy for vandalism must take the two different types of vandals into consideration. Those who are slightly vandalistic need prompt responses and stricter punishments. In contrast, the highly vandalistic group needs an individualized approach, using a combination of sanctions and counseling. In addition, school-based prevention efforts are needed to influence the attitudes and behaviors of youths whose parents are not able to do this. The authors have developed such an effort. Tables and 25 references.