NCJ Number
72296
Date Published
1979
Length
134 pages
Annotation
This publication critically reviews India's policies and programs aimed at controlling juvenile delinquency, in order to identify areas requiring focused attention for future planning.
Abstract
The study and review aimed to assess the effectiveness of India's Children's Act. Study data were primarily secondary data collected from various official and unofficial organizations. An introductory chapter explains the definition and causes of juvenile delinquency, types of delinquency, and delinquency trends in India. Subsequent chapters examine the legal framework for India's delinquency prevention efforts, the police role in delinquency prevention, and judicial procedures. Additional chapters discuss observation facilities, institutional treatment, and noninstitutional services. The study concludes that the 1960 Children's Act provides a comprehensive legal framework for dealing with juvenile delinquency, although not all States have adopted it. Possible modifications to the law include delegation of more powers to heads of observation homes, requiring parents to be present when their children's cases are heard, and developing more uniformity of legislation. Police should play a more positive role in delinquency prevention. Both juvenile courts and child welfare boards have a highly significant place in the framework provided by the juvenile legislation. Institutional services are widely used; more noninstitutional services are needed. The juvenile services need to be strengthened to deal with the problem of juvenile delinquency. Tables are included.