NCJ Number
186631
Date Published
2000
Length
97 pages
Annotation
This report reviews new knowledge about the causes and solutions for juvenile delinquency and youth violence, examines two popular notions that have monopolized the public debate in recent years, examines the nature and effectiveness of current juvenile justice policies and programs, and recommends strategic actions for preventing and addressing delinquency and violence.
Abstract
The analysis reveals that over the past two decades prevention and juvenile justice policy innovators have developed and validated a number of intervention models that substantially lower either recidivism by youthful offenders or the onset of delinquent behavior by youth at risk for delinquency. Most of the effective strategies work with youth in their own homes and communities and not in institutions; they also focus heavily on the family context. However, the notion that youth crime is worsening due to a generation of juvenile superpredators and that transfers to adult criminal court should be the basis for juvenile justice policy. Recommended actions to reduce and prevent juvenile delinquency include ending overreliance on corrections and other out-of-home placements for juvenile delinquents, investment in research-based interventions and prevention; measurement of results, with funding of effective programs and funding cutbacks for ineffective programs; and the involvement of community partners. Figures, appended figures and table, and reference notes