Risk Factors that Influence Juvenile Delinquency
Juvenile delinquency is a serious problem in the country, and it affects minors from every background. There are some risk factors that greatly increase the risk of it occurring. Many of these cases become repeat offenders, and are responsible for a large portion of juvenile crimes.
1. Individual traits – Some characteristics are relatively more common among juvenile delinquents. They often exhibit poor cognitive development, hyperactivity, and develop antisocial behaviors early in their lives. Most delinquents have a history of low inhibitions and conflict with adults.
2. Family structure – There is a consistent link between juvenile delinquency and divorced or absentee parents. This is especially true for children who suffer through long divorce proceedings, compared to divorces settled through mediation. The continued involvement of both parents in the child’s life, even after a divorce, mitigates the risk to an extent.
3. Environment – Many delinquents experience poverty, and live in an area with high crime rates. They do not have the opportunity to engage in healthy recreational activities, such as sports and club membership. Their schools generally fail to address their social and emotional needs, leading to low educational performance, commitment, and aspirations.
4. Peers – Studies show that the friends and acquaintances of a child significantly affect their lifestyle choices. Peer pressure can result in rebellious behavior, the cultivation of vices, and involvement in criminal gangs. A lack of positive social interaction due to bullying or similar behaviors is also a contributing factor.
5. Harmful experiences – Delinquents often experience several negative experiences in their early years. A history of verbal or physical abuse, alcohol or drug use, and consistent exposure to violence can significantly increase the risks of juvenile delinquency. There is no single factor that indicates with certainty that a child will become a juvenile delinquent. Many children come from these backgrounds without turning to delinquency. These factors, however, are cumulative; the more there are in an individual, the greater the risk.
Sources:
http://www.divorceattorney inlongisland.com/
http://scholarlycommons.la w.northwestern.edu/cgi/vie wcontent.cgi?article=2038& context=jclc
https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffi les1/ojjdp/frd030127.pdf