Observational and Diagnostic Facilities for the Institutionalised Delinquents - A Study of the Absence of Standardized Correlates Between Etiology and Modes of Treatment

• NCJ Number: 76655
• Journal: Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1981) Pages: 34-40
• Author(s): D P Saxena
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: India
• Note: Talk delivered at the State Level Training Course on Juvenile Delinquency Control, University of Udaipur (Rajasthan) from March 28 to April 10, 1979.

Annotation

The absence of standardized correlates between etiology and modes of treatment for juvenile delinquents in India is examined.

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency is a complex problem, and any simple generalization about its cause or causes is not possible. Further, the causes are so mixed and overlapping that the identification of any set of causes in a given case is difficult. India has thus far developed only seven possible modes of treatment for juvenile delinquents. In the observation and diagnostic work, efforts are made to study each case indepth and prepare a complete case history. The report also makes recommendations about treatment. This report is submitted to the juvenile court magistrate for consideration in the final disposition of the case. There is, however, a gap between the development of the etiology of juvenile delinquency in a given case and the modes of treatment applied. Some of the causes of this are (1) lack of sufficient time to develop a comprehensive background report prior to the hearing, (2) a scarcity of observation and diagnostic facilities for juvenile delinquents, and (3) the absence of a central classification unit equipped for scientific observation and diagnosis by a multidisciplinary team. In order improve diagnosis, which is the foundation for proper treatment, there should be a diagnostic team consisting of a sociologist, psychologist, doctor, social case worker, probation officer, and magistrate. Further, juvenile court magistrates should be selected on the basis of their knowledge, experience, and attributes which would equip them to deal wisely with each case. There should be a statutory provision for the remanding of a child to a safe place after arrest and prior to the hearing, where adequate diagnosis can be conducted. Also, observation homes should be regularly evaluated for certification. General aspects of juvenile delinquency etiology and modes of treatment in India are listed in tabular form.