NCJ Number
149926
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (1994) Pages: 9-25
Date Published
1994
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This analysis of juvenile justice research during the last 20 years concludes that instead of reverting to failed policies of incarceration, decisionmakers need to implement systematic polices of juvenile delinquency prevention for the sake of the victim, the community, and the offender.
Abstract
Only a small proportion of youths are ever involved with the formal juvenile justice system. Juvenile delinquency prevention programs should be based on research findings related to neighborhood factors, institutions involved with youths, and situational factors in juvenile delinquency. Primary prevention strategies should focus on family income, employment, housing, health, recreation, and social services. Secondary prevention should provide specific strategies for high-risk groups. Tertiary prevention should be targeted to individual offenders to reduce recidivism. Despite public concern about law and order, sound management of the juvenile justice system and of individual youthful offenders should not be abandoned. Table on juvenile cautioning in England and Wales and 6 references