NCJ Number
165064
Date Published
1995
Length
35 pages
Annotation
Juvenile violence is examined with respect to trends; research findings regarding serious, violent, and chronic juvenile delinquency careers; factors related to habitual juvenile offenders; and responses from legislatures and the juvenile and criminal justice systems.
Abstract
Chronic, serious, violent juvenile delinquency is increasing and will probably continue to do so. The research demonstrates that a small proportion of juveniles accounts for the bulk of serious and violent juvenile delinquency. In addition, these youths are the product of co-occurring, multiple problems that are complex and require comprehensive solutions. Most adolescents simply grow out of problem behavior in the course of maturation, but the behavior escalates in a few. Most serious, violent, and chronic juvenile offenders developed violent behaviors in childhood. The research indicates that the multiple problems of at-risk children should be targeted for intervention and treatment with graduated sanctions and a continuum of need-based approaches. The more serious, violent, and chronic juvenile offenders may require more intensive treatment in secure settings, and the most dangerous offenders may not be amenable to treatment. Most juvenile offenders can be safely confined in juvenile facilities, although a few require incarceration in adult prisons to maximize public safety. Figures, tables, and 168 references (Author summary modified)