Understanding juvenile delinquency is crucial for effective intervention and prevention

1. Juvenile Delinquency: Understanding the Causes and
Consequences
Presentation By: Dr. Goa Kussa
 Presentation Goal
 Understanding juvenile delinquency is crucial for effective
intervention and prevention

2. What is Juvenile Delinquency
Juvenile delinquency refers to criminal behavior committed
by individuals under the age of 18.
It includes a wide range of illegal activities, such as theft,
vandalism, assault, and drug use.

3. Types of Juvenile Delinquency
1. Status Offenses: Activities that are only illegal due to the
person being underage, such as truancy or curfew violations.
2. Property Crimes: Vandalism, theft, and burglary.
3. Violent Crimes: Assault, robbery, and even homicide.
4. Substance Abuse: Alcohol and drug-related offenses.
5. Cybercrime: Online harassment, hacking, and identity
theft.

4. Causes of Juvenile Delinquency
1. Family Factors:
 Dysfunctional family environments (e.g., abuse, neglect,
family conflict).
 Lack of parental supervision or guidance.
2. Socioeconomic Factors:
 Poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education.
 Living in high-crime neighborhoods.
3. Peer Influence:
 Negative peer pressure, gang affiliation.
4. Psychological and Emotional Factors:
 Mental health issues, trauma, and low self-esteem.
5. Cultural and Societal Factors:
 Media portrayals of violence, normalized drug use, etc

5. Risk Factors for Juvenile Delinquency
1. Early involvement in risky behaviors:
 Experimentation with drugs or alcohol during adolescence.
2. Poor academic performance:
 Higher dropout rates linked to delinquent behavior.
3. Peer rejection or association with delinquent peers.
 History of abuse or neglect.
4. Low socio-economic status.

6. Impact of Juvenile Delinquency
1. On the Individual:
 Juvenile delinquency can lead to legal consequences,
criminal records, and potential incarceration.
 Increased likelihood of engaging in adult criminal
behavior.
2. On Society:
 Increased crime rates.
 Strain on law enforcement and judicial systems.
 Economic costs related to law enforcement, court
proceedings, and incarceration

7. Prevention and Intervention
1. Early Intervention Programs:
 Counseling and therapy for at-risk youth.
 Mentorship programs and youth community engagement.
2. Educational Support:
 Improving academic engagement and school attendance.
 After-school programs and extracurricular activities.
3. Family Support:
 Parenting classes, family therapy, and support groups.
4. Community Involvement:
 Community policing, youth centers, and neighborhood watch
programs.

8. The Role of the Justice System
1. Juvenile Court System:
 Specialized courts that focus on rehabilitation rather than
punishment.
 Goal: Reform rather than incarceration, focusing on
education and therapy.
2. Alternatives to Incarceration:
 Restorative justice programs, probation, and diversion
programs.
 Community-based rehabilitation programs and residential
treatment centers.

9. Conclusion
 Juvenile delinquency is a multifaceted issue with social,
familial, and psychological causes.
 Prevention and intervention programs play a crucial role in
reducing delinquent behavior.

10. Call to Action
 Strengthening family and community support systems.
 Providing early intervention and access to education and
mental health services.