JUVENILE DELINQUENCY: THE MARGINALIZED YOUTH

 

Authored By: Sneha Kumari

University Name: Sai Nath University, Ranchi

 

 

ABSTRACT

Juvenile delinquency is a complex issue that affects many marginalized youths. It is a phenomenon that occurs around the world and has a significant impact on society. The causes of juvenile delinquency are multifaceted and include factors such as poverty, lack of education, family dysfunction, mental illness and substance abuse.

 

Marginalized youths are particularly vulnerable to delinquent behaviour. These youths often come from low- income families and live in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. They may lack access to quality education, health care and other basic services. These factors can contribute to a sense of hopelessness and lead to delinquent behaviour.

 

Research has shown that there are several risk factors associated with juvenile delinquency. These factors include a history of abuse or neglect, exposure to violence, poor academic performance and substance abuse. Additionally, environmental factors such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of social support can contribute to delinquent behaviour.

 

Prevention and intervention programs are essential in addressing aim to prevent delinquent behaviour by providing at- risk youths with positive role models, mentoring, and educational opportunities. Intervention programs focus on addressing the underlying causes of delinquent behaviour and providing support to help youths make positive changes in their lives.

 

The criminal justice system also plays a role in addressing juvenile delinquency. Juvenile courts are designed to provide a more rehabilitation of youths rather than punishment. However, there is a need for more resources to be allocated to these courts to ensure that they are effective in addressing juvenile delinquency.

 

INTRODUCTION

Scientific evidence shows that a set of family and psychosocial elements are risk factors for juvenile delinquency. Nonetheless, a meta- synthesis of factors predicting desistance from crime in juvenile offenders, which could play a central role in preventing crime, has never been done.

 

This is not the only limitation. If adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are a unanimous risk factors for juvenile delinquency, the role of each early adverse experience on crime and social marginalization are almost unknown. World Wide, the levels of effectiveness of justice interventions are not encouraging, despite the majority of legal frameworks having the aim of preventing recidivism and promote social integration. Moreover, when youths with justice involvement reach adulthood, very little is known about what dimensions should be intervened. The purpose of the book is to advance knowledge about the role of psychological, legal and family factors on persistence in crime and social marginalization in young adults with a history of juvenile delinquency. This work presents the main findings and policy implications from the Portuguese study on delinquency and social marginalization (PSDSM) which are divided into five parts, each part corresponding to published and submitted scientific article. In simple words, juvenile delinquency is the participation of children under the age of 18 years in illegal activities in society. The degree of delinquency varies from one to another and it remains unnoticed unless and until the particular act becomes the concern of society. Since adolescence is the transitional period of life during his phase are passes through rapid evolutionary change in one’s physical, mental, moral, spiritual, sex and social outlook. They display criminal behaviour and are punishable under legal procedure. Violation of social norms and values threatens the peace of society and therefore considered a criminal Act. The nature and kind of the crime may range from very mild to severe. However, they are all antisocial and hence are subjected to legal criminals Acts.

 

In the sense, they are very much like criminals and antisocial elements. In legal terminology, however, they are referred to as delinquents and not as criminals. On whole, juvenile delinquency is a legal term that denotes acts of varying degrees of social consequences from mere naughtiness to major assault punishable by law.

 

 

 

 

ACT OF DELINQUENCY MAY INCLUDE

1. Running away from home without the permission of parents.
2. Habitual behaviour beyond the control of parents.
3. Spending time idly beyond limits.
4. Use of vulgar language.
5. Committing sexual crime.
6. Visiting gambling centres etc.

 

Poverty, accordingly is one of a number of factors associated with juvenile delinquency. Among these other factors are bad housing broken homes, mothers working, parental negligence, over severity, over leniency, rejection boy and girl gangs, delinquent and criminal traditions, and other neighbourhood conditions contributing to the delinquency of the child. Low income is rather directly related to meagre conditions of family life and insufficient provision in the home for wholesome recreation.

 

Therefore, an adequate minimum and stable family income is probably the, most significant factor is the prevention of serious cases of delinquency which is now appearing in our juvenile courts and committed to industrial schools and reformation, stable and adequate income, together with its consequences in the improvement of family life and neighbourhood conditions would be a powerful preventive influence in reducing juvenile delinquency.

 

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY: THE SCOPE OF PROBLEMS

Juvenile delinquency is a major social problem that effect young people around the world. It refers to criminal behaviour committed by minors, typically those under the age of 18. Juvenile delinquency is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address.

 

There are many factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency including poverty, family dysfunction, peer pressure, mental health issues, and substance abuse. Young people who experience poverty are more likely to engage in criminal behaviour because they may feel that they have no other options. Family dysfunction, such as abuse, neglect and divorce can lead young people to feel isolated and unsupported, making them more vulnerable to delinquent behaviour. Peer pressure can also be a significant factor, as young people may feel that they need to engage in criminal behaviour to fit in with the peers. Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and conduct disorder can also lead to delinquent behaviour, Substance abuse is another major factor, as young people who use drugs or alcohol are more likely to engage in criminal behaviour.

 

Juvenile delinquency is a significant problem because it not only harms the young people involved, but it also has negative effects on society as a whole. It can lead to increased crime rates, decreased economic development, and a breakdown of social order. Young people who engage in criminal behaviour are more likely to continue to do as adults, leading to a cycle of poverty and crime. This can have a long- term impact or the economy, as it can lead to decreased productivity and increased healthcare costs. It can also lead to a breakdown of social order, as people may feel unsafe in their communities.

 

To address juvenile delinquency, it is important to take a holistic approach that includes prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation, prevention efforts can include education, mentoring and community outreach programs, education programs can help young people learn about the consequences of criminal behaviour and the importance of making positive choices. Mentoring programs can provide young people with positive role models and support community outreach programs can help to build strong relationships between young people and their communities, which can help to prevent delinquent behaviour.

 

Intervention efforts can involve law enforcement, social workers, and mental professionals. Law enforcement can help to prevent crime by increasing patrols in high crime areas and working with young people to prevent delinquent behaviour. Social workers can provide support and counselling to young people who are at risk of delinquent behaviour. Mental health professionals can help young people who are struggling with mental health issues that.

 

FACTORS PREDICTING DESISTANCE FROM CRIME IN JUVENILE OFFENDERS: SCIENTIFIC GAPS AND SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE.

Over the last two decades, important long term longitudinal studies have been conducted to evaluate the risk factors of crime desistance in adults with a history of juvenile delinquency. The Cambridge study in delinquent development is one of the best known cohorts and followed 411 males, aged from 8 to 48, living in a working class environment in south London (Farrington, TOFI and COID 2009). Out of the 411 males, 161 were convicted before the age of 20. The predictors of desistance from crime for young people between the ages of 8 to 18 were evaluated, and among several tens of variables evaluated, only hyperactivity, heavy drinking, low popularity, and harsh parental discipline negatively predicted desistance from crime in young offenders. Desistance from crime in juvenile offenders is a complex issue that involves a variety of factors. One of the most important factors is the presence of positive social support. Research has shown that young people who have strong relationships with family, peers and other adults are more likely to avoid criminal activity. This can be achieved through interventions such as mentoring, family therapy, and community programs.

 

Another important factor is education and employment. Young people who are able to complete their education and first stable employments are less likely to engage in criminal activity. Interventions that focus on education and job training can be effective in helping young people avoid a life of crime.

 

Crime- behavioural interventions are also effective in helping young people desist from criminal activity. These intervention focus on changing the way young people think about themselves and their behaviour, and can help them develop new coping skills and problem solving strategies.

 

Finally It is important to recognize that desistance from crime is a process, not an event. Young people may experience set back and relapses along the way and it is important to provide ongoing support and encouragement to help them stay on the right track.

 

In contrast, adolescent- limited trajectories should be more prevalent, resulting from a ‘maturity gap’, characterized by the youngster who wants to win autonomy from their parents and take a role as an adult. Those youths are more vulnerable to mimicking their peers delinquent lifestyle and adopting delinquent behaviours during adolescence.

 

On entering adult-hood, they usually adopt a conventional lifestyle desisting from crime. The Dunedin longitudinal study, a New Zealand cohort following 1037 boys and girls from the age of 3 until adulthood, tested this hypothesis. Twenty-three percent of the participants were classified as adolescent limited during childhood while 7% of the sample were classified a life course persistent in crime (TERRIE MOFFITT, AVSHALOM CASPI, HARRINGTON, and MILNE (2002) when the sample reached the age of 26, and they found, that children characterized as life- course persistent have higher levels of criminal convictions including violent criminal convictions, mental health problems, substance dependence, and work problems. They analysis conducted with the Dunedin longitudinal study supports Moffitt’s (2006) hypothesis to some event, showing the relevance of this topology in explaining different trajectories.

 

Nonetheless, it did not explain completely the phenomenon of desistance from crime as a whole, for two main reasons: (A significant percentage of youths classified as non- delinquent it adolescent limited also have criminal convictions and a marginal lifestyle through life, and some adults classified as life course persistent during childhood did not persist with crime or with a marginal lifestyle during adulthood. In contrast to Terrie Moffitt, Lamb and Sampson (2001) described desistance as a “ variety of complex process developmental, psychological and sociological and thus there are several factors associated with it and both Kazemian (2007) and Lamb and Sampson (2001) argued that instead of a topological pre- selection of different trajectories the study of desistance should include a vision of desistance as a process occurring during the life- time, not only because the majority of criminals stop their criminal activity during their forties but also because a set of psychological variables during adulthood are relevant in explaining those changes in criminal careers (Sampson and Lamb 2003). In fact, while several factors are consistent in explaining juvenile delinquency (BRAGA, GONCALVES, BASTO- PEREIRA, and MAIA, 2017; HAWKINS 2000), such as abuse, neglect, drug misuse, and antisocial peers, few predictors explain desistance from crime in juvenile delinquents. In this regard, LOEBER at (2007) concluded that both desisting and persisting were similar in a large set of psychological problems, including educational, employment, and substance use problems.

 

Nonetheless, TERRIE MOFFITT’s work is of tremendous relevance, showing the importance of genetic and environmental factors during childhood and their predictive ability regarding persistence in crime and social marginalization. In fact, SAMPSON and LAMB (2005) did not reject the importance of childhood experiences and characteristics on criminal behaviour. Their work, using on update of GLUECK’s longitudinal study, with a cohort composed of 52 juvenile delinquents aged from 7 to 17 and up to 70 years, found that childhood and adolescent variables (eg, extroversion, adventurousness, egocentricity, or violent temper tantrums) are predictors of adult crime through life. To sum up, works of LAMB and SAMPSONN (2005) appear to suggest that childhood and adolescent factors seen to be the first step, but never the only or the last path in understanding the process of desistance from crime.

 

YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM: PREVELANCES AND CORRELATES WITH CRIME AND SOCIAL MARGINALIZATION

Youth involvement in the juvenile justice system is a complex issue. It is important to recognize that crime and social marginalization can be correlated, but it’s not the only factor. Many factors contribute to youth involvement in the justice system, such as poverty, lack of education and family dynamics. It is crucial to address these underlying issues to prevent future involvement.

Youth involvement in the juvenile justice system is influenced by various factors, including crime and social marginalization. Research suggests that there is a correlation between these factors. When young people experience social marginalization, such as exclusion, discrimination, or limited access to opportunities, they may be more likely to engage in criminal behaviour. This can be due to lack of positive role models, limited resources and feelings of frustration or hopefulness.

 

Additionally, certain types of crimes, such as property offences or drug- related offences, are more prevalent among youth involved in the juvenile justice system. These offences can be influenced by factors like peer pressure, exposure to violence, or a lack of proper guidance and support.

 

However, it is important to note that not all youth involved in the justice system are inherently criminals or socially marginalized. Many factors contribute to their involvement, including individual circumstances, family dynamics, and systemic issue, poverty, for example, can increase the likelihood of criminal behaviour due to limited access to education, employment, and basic necessities.

 

To address this issue, it is crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach that focuses on prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation. These include providing educational opportunities, mentoring programs, and mental health support too at risk- youths. It also involves addressing systemic issues, such as poverty and inequality, through social policies and community initiatives.

Furthermore, it is essential to promote alternatives to incarceration, such as restorative justice programs, which aim to repair harm caused by the offense and reintegrate the young person into society. These programs focus on accountability, rehabilitation, and addressing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour.

 

By addressing the root cause of youth involvement in the justice system, we can work towards creating a more equitable and just society. This involves providing opportunities for all young people to thrive, regardless of their background on circumstances. Together, we can break the cycle of crime and social marginalization, and empower young people to lead fulfilling and productive lines.

 

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY: WHAT PROMOTES DESISTANCE VERSUS PERSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL PATHWAYS DUEING ADULTHOOD?

There are several factors that can promote desistance from a criminal pathway during adulthood, such as positive social support, education, employment opportunities, and access to mental health services. On the other hand, factors like continued involvement in criminal networks, substance abuse, and lack of stable housing can contribute to persistence in criminal behaviour. It is important to address these factors to support individuals in making positive changes.

 

In understanding the factors that promote desistance or persistence in the criminal pathway during adulthood. It is essential to consider various elements that influence an individual trajectory promoting desistance.

1. Positive social support: Having a strong support system, including family, friends, mentors, and positive role models, can significantly impact an individual decision to leave behind criminal behaviour.
2. Education and skill development: Access to quality education and opportunities for skill development can enhance an individual’s chances of finding stable employment and pursuing a more positive path.
3. Employment opportunities: Having access to meaningful employments can provide financial stability and a sense of purpose, reducing the likelihood of engaging in criminal activities.
4. Mental health support: Addressing underlying mental health issues through therapy, counselling, or psychiatric care can help individuals develop coping mechanism and make positive choices.
5. Personal growth and self- Reflection: Encouraging individual language in self- reflection, personal growth, and understanding the consequences of their actions can lead to a desire to change.

 

FACTORS PROMOTING PERSISTENCE

1. Continued criminal networks: If individuals maintain connections with criminal networks or engage in criminal activities with peers, it can reinforce their involvement in criminal behaviour.
2. Substance abuse: Substance abuse can contribute to a cycle of criminal behaviour, as individual may engage in illegal activities to sustain their addiction or acquire drugs.
3. Lack of stable housing: Instability in housing can create an environment that fosters criminal behaviour as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs.

It is important to note that each individual circumstances and experiences are unique, and the factors influencing their criminal pathway can vary. Addressing these factors requires a holistic approach that consider the individual’s social economic and psychological needs.

 

EFFECTS OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

Juvenile delinquency can have significant effects an individual and society. It can lead to a range of negative outcomes for the young person involved as well as for their families, communities, and the justice system.

 

For the individual, the effect of juvenile delinquency can include a higher likelihood of dropping out of school, limited employment opportunities and a higher risk of involvement in criminal activities as an adult. It can also lead to substance abuse problems, mental health issues, and a cycle of criminal behaviour that is difficult to break.

 

In families, the effects can be emotionally and financially draining. Parents may experience stress, guilt and shame, and may struggle to provide the necessary support and guidance to their child. Siblings may be impacted by the disruption caused by delinquent behaviour and may also be at a higher risk of engaging in delinquency themselves. Communities bear the burden of juvenile delinquency as well. It can lead to increased crime rates, decreased property values, and a general sense of insecurity. It can strain community resources, such as law enforcement, social services, and educational institutions as they work to address the needs of delinquent youth.

 

The Justice system also faces challenges the dealing with juvenile delinquency. It must balance the need for rehabilitation and intervention with the need for accountability and public safety. The long term effects of delinquency can lead to higher rates of recidivism and a strain on the correctional system.

 

Overall, the effects of juvenile delinquency are far- reaching and can have lasting impacts or individuals, families, communities and society as a whole it is crucial to address the root causes of delinquency and provide support and intervention to help young people break free from the cycle of criminal behaviour.

 

CAUSES OF JUVENILE DELINQUIENCY

Juvenile delinquency can have various causes, and its important to understand these factors to address and prevent this issue. Here are some common causes of juvenile delinquency.

1. Family factors: Family dynamics play a crucial role. Factors such as parental neglect, abuse, and criminal behaviour can contribute to a child is delinquency. Lack of proper parental supervision and inconsistent discipline can also be influential.
2. Peer influence: Adolescents are highly influenced by their peers. Negative peer pressure, association with delinquent groups, and a desire for acceptance can lead young people to engage in delinquent activities.
3. Socioeconomic factors: Poverty, unemployment, and limited access to resources can contribute to delinquency. Growing up in disadvantaged neighbourhood with high crime rates and limited educational opportunities can increase the likelihood of delinquent behaviour.
4. School- related factors: Academic difficulties, low school engagement, and a negative school environment can contribute to delinquency. Bullying, to truancy, and a lack of supportive relationships with teachers and peers can also play a role.
5. Substance abuse: Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug use, is strongly associated with delinquency substance abuse can impair judgement, increase aggression, and lead to involvement in criminal activities.
6. Mental health issues: Undiagnosed or untreated mental health disorder, such as conduct disorder, ADHD or depression, can contribute to delinquent behaviour. These conditions may effect a young person ability to make sound decisions regulate their behaviour.
7. Media influence: Exposure to violent or antisocial media content can desensitize young people to violence and contribute to delinquent behaviour.
8. Lack of positive role models: The absence of positive role models, such as mentors or supportive adults, can leave young people without guidance and positive influence.

It is important to note that these factors often interact and influence each other. Preventing and addressing juvenile delinquency requires a comprehensive approach that includes early intervention access to quality education, supportive family environments, mentoring programs, and community resources, by addressing these underlying causes, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of juvenile delinquency and promoting positive youth development.

 

PREVENTION

To prevent juvenile delinquency its crucial to implement strategies that address the underlying causes and promote positive youth development, Here are some prevention measures,

1. Early intervention: Identifying at- risk children and intervening early can make a significant difference, programs that focus on early childhood education, parenting skills, and social- emotional development can help build a strong foundation for positive behaviour.
2. Education and skill development: Providing quality education and skill- building opportunities is essential. Accessible and engaging educational programs can empower young people and equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to make positive choices.
3. Strong family support: Strengthening families is key offering parenting programs, counselling services, and support network can help parents create nurturing and stable environments for their children.
4. Mentoring programs: Mentoring relationships can have a positive impact on young people’s lives. Matching them with caring adults who provide guidance, support, and positive role modelling can help steer them away from delinquent behaviour.
5. Community involvement: Engaging young people in community activities and providing them with positive outlets for their energy and talents can help prevent delinquency. Offering recreational programs, sports teams, art classes, and volunteer opportunities can keep them engaged and connected.
6. Restorative justice approaches: Instead of focusing solely or punishment, restorative justice approaches emphasize accountability, repairing harm, and reintegrating young offenders into the community. These approaches can help prevent reoffering and promote empathy and understanding.
7. Substance abuse prevention: Implementing substance abuse prevention programs that educate young people about the risk and consequences of drug and alcohol use in crucial. Providing access to counselling and treatment services for those struggling with substance abuse is also essential.
8. Positive peer influence: Promoting positive peer relationship and creating a supportive social environment is vital. Encouraging healthy friendships, teaching conflict resolution skills, and fostering a sense of belonging can help young people resist negative peer pressure.
9. School- based programs: Schools play a critical role in prevention. Implementing anti- bullying initiatives, promoting a positive school climate and providing support services for struggling students can contribute to reducing delinquency.
10. Collaboration and coordination: Effective prevention requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including school, families, community organizations, law enforcement and policymakers. By working together, resources can be maximized, and a comprehensive approach to prevention can be implemented.

 

By implementing these prevention measures, we can create a supportive and nurturing environment for young people, reducing the likelihood of juvenile delinquency and promoting their positive.

 

Juvenile delinquency can have significant effects on individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole, here are some of the impact.

1. Individual consequences: Juvenile delinquency can negatively affect young people’s lives. It can lead to a range of issues such as a academic failure, substance abuse, mental health problems and limited employment opportunities. It may also increase the likelihood of future involvement in criminal activities.
2. Family Disruption: Families of delinquent youth often experience emotional and financial strain. They may face feelings of shame, guilt, and helplessness. The stress of dealing with the legal system, attending court hearing, and supporting their child’s rehabilitation can take a toll or family dynamics.
3. Community Safety: Juvenile delinquency can contribute to a sense of insecurity and fear within communities. It can lead to an increase in crime rates, vandalism, and property damage. This can negatively impact the quality of life for residents and deter economic development.
4. Long-Term Costs: The costs associated with juvenile delinquency are substantial. These include expenses related to the criminal justice system, rehabilitation programs, victim support services, and lost productivity. Investing in prevention and intervention measures can help reduce these long-term costs.
5. Cycle of Violence: Juvenile delinquency can perpetuate a cycle of violence. Young people who engage in delinquent behaviour are more likely to become adult offenders. This can have a cascading effect on future generations, leading to a cycle of crime and social instability.
6. Victimization: Juvenile offenders often victimize others, causing physical, emotional, and financial harm. Victims may experience trauma, fear, and a loss of trust in their community. Addressing the needs of victims and providing support services is crucial for their recovery.

 

CONCLUSION

Juvenile delinquency is a way for minors to get involved in adult crime since a large percentage of criminal activity has its roots in childhood and causes major problems around the world. Today, it has become a major topic of concern and needs to be discussed on a more serious note. Difficulties increase as we enter the statistical data of developed countries compared to developing countries compared to developing countries. It has been observed that theft and robbery contribute to a large percentage of these cases.

 

Murder, rape, burglary, kidnapping area few other additions to them based on available statics, the perception that this crime is in the risk is not to be underestimated. In India previously Juvenile delinquency was not a great issue. It is said that the juvenile laws were implemented half- heartedly.

 

But after the brutality in Nirbhaya, there was a great concern raised before the authorities to implement such a law that not only deals with juveniles in conflict with laws in a better way but also provides care and protection to delinquent juveniles. In all the cases, a person becomes delinquent when society deals with it strongly. When a juvenile sees great inequalities in society, his mind responds to the same in a bad way. In conclusion, juveniles are a vulnerable population that requires special attention, care, prevention and intervention programs, as well as the criminal justice system must work together to provide support and resources to at- risk youths. By addressing the underlying causes of delinquent behaviour, we can help juveniles make positive changes in their lives and reduce the impact of delinquent behaviour on society.