NCJ Number
112069
Journal
Journal of Juvenile Law Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: (1985) Pages: 12-35
Date Published
1985
Length
36 pages
Annotation
In general, a juvenile delinquent in Africa is one who has committed an illegal act and/or been adjudicated delinquent and is under 21 years old.
Abstract
Although juvenile delinquency in Africa is widespread, it has been the subject of few studies. Delinquency has been found to be related to a family disruption, technological development, Government policies, peer group influence, and trial group and ethnicity. Although official statistics show decreases in delinquency, the integrity of these data is questionable. While delinquency rates generally are lower in developing than developed countries, delinquency appears to be a growing social problem. In Africa, the most common offense is theft, and delinquency is more prevalent in urban areas. Suggested causes of delinquency in Africa have included urbanization, instability of the family structure, lack of employment and educational opportunities, migration, lack of parental control, and individual maladjustment. Prevention efforts include controls on alcoholic beverages, police patrols, and special police juvenile units. While management of juvenile offenders varies by country, most have their own juvenile justice systems, including courts and correctional facilities and services. While no firm conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of these prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs, they do appear to have had a beneficial effect on juvenile crime and recidivism. 75 footnotes.