NCJ Number
145347
Date Published
Unknown
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This information sheet discusses how to identify youths who may be predisposed toward a life of crime.
Abstract
In 1986, 49.3 percent of property crimes, 29.1 percent of violent crimes, and 45.0 percent of all other crimes were committed by persons under age 20. Most serious, persistent criminals start young; however, most youths who get into trouble do not become chronic criminals. Thus, identification of at-risk individuals is not easy but can make a difference. While environmental and hereditary factors are disproportionately reflected in criminals, they do not constitute a majority influence. These factors include low socioeconomic background, minority status, and blood relation to criminals. Other factors associated with poverty--alcohol and drug abuse, neglect, and poor parenting--are more specifically related to criminality. Conflict-ridden family life and lack of discipline are the most significant predictors. Future criminals, as children, will not usually engage in atypical behaviors, but may display typical problem behaviors earlier and more intensely than normal, and not outgrow them.