Prevention of Juvenile Maladjustment (From Juveniles and Delinquency in the Italian and European Context: Proceedings of the International Conference Organized by ISPAC and Centro Nazionale di Prevenzione e Difesa Sociale, Milan, Italy, December 1995, P 93-95, 1996, See NCJ-165320)

• NCJ Number: 165329
• Author(s): G Roma
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: Italy

Annotation

The causes and prevention of juvenile delinquency are examined, with emphasis on the policy implications for Italy.

Abstract

A society with the generations largely divided into separate islands is a society in which maladjustment and the potential for delinquency increase. Statistics have always revealed that juvenile delinquency is mostly linked to social and economic marginality, difficult and deficient family relationships, lack of employment, and other factors. Most juvenile delinquents are males. However, the relationship between social variables and delinquency is not clear in Italy. The possible explanation may be that youth today are almost naturally inclined to reject their schools and culture and to believe that they have no future. Structural changes in the economy have reduced employment opportunities. It is crucial that the educational system direct youth toward employment and allow immediate access to work for those who do not succeed academically. Young people also need friendships and leisure activities. Overall, adults must not keep themselves in isolation from youth; instead, they must strive to understand the complexity of the issues youth experience and to offer solutions.