NCJ Number
207775
Date Published
2001
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This chapter provides an overview of issues pertinent to child delinquency that will be addressed in this volume.
Abstract
The chapter first notes that the onset of delinquency at an early age is typically associated with other problem behavior; e.g., delinquency can be associated with substance abuse. The recent report by the Study Group on Serious and Violent Juvenile Offenders recognized the importance of identifying and addressing childhood delinquency in order to prevent the evolution to later serious and violent offending. The chapter distinguishes among problematic children by placing them in three categories: serious child delinquents, other child delinquents, and children who show persistent disruptive behavior. This is followed by the identification of some common myths about child delinquents prevalent in the media and public opinion. Child delinquents are then legally defined for the purpose of this volume as offending at ages 7 to 12, although the chapter recognizes that the age of criminal responsibility may vary according to State law. Other sections of this chapter address the prevalence of child delinquency, the most common delinquent acts committed by child delinquents, the developmental pathways to disruptive/delinquent behavior, child delinquency's cost to society, the consequences of childhood delinquency for the offenders, the causes of child offending, the special needs of child delinquents, the early identification of children at risk for delinquency, the special challenge of child delinquents, the limitations of age as a criterion for classifying children, and the interventions that best reduce child delinquency. The chapter also discusses the need for a comprehensive strategy to reduce child delinquency, as well as information needs. 5 figures and 3 notes