Prevalence Of Juvenile Delinquency In The United States

Prevalence of Adolescent Delinquency

Jason P. Smith

Juvenile Delinquency

American Public University

Professor Tina Kovar

Abstract

Analysis of how prevalent delinquency is among adolescents. Data collection which shows the most current statistics in the United States of juvenile delinquency. Theories that best explain juvenile delinquency as it pertains to adolescents.

Introduction

"So many kids end up in the juvenile justice system before they've been able to get help. They end up getting it (help) through the juvenile justice system, and that's wrong. A kid shouldn't have to commit a crime to get the help that they need."(-Lori Reynolds). The following essay gives data on the current epidemic of juvenile delinquency in the

The percentage of youth reporting exposure varied by type of violence. Nearly half of the youth surveyed reported being victims of an assault. One in four youth were victims of robbery, vandalism, or theft over twenty percent witnessed assaults in their families or the communities in which they lived. Adolescents ages 12–17 were about 2.2 times more likely than adults to be victims of a violent crime and were also more likely to suffer simple assault. Homicide is one of the leading causes of juvenile deaths. In 2010, homicide was the third leading cause of death for youths ages 12–17. In 2010, on average, four juveniles were murdered daily in the

Juvenile offenders were involved in an estimated 800 murders in the U.S. in 2010, which accounted for 8% of all murders. The juvenile offender acted alone in 48% of these murders and with one or more other juveniles in 9% of murders committed. Violent crimes by juveniles peaked between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Theory

The Social Disorganization Theory suggests that juvenile delinquency results when "social control among the traditional primary groups, such as the family and the neighborhood, breaks down because of social disarray within the community." The theory is elaborated upon by arguing that delinquent behavior becomes a way to be socialized. Youths that are a part of disorganized communities are attracted to deviant lifestyles. The delinquent values are not held by any particular ethnic group but are a result of a cultural transmission.

Conclusion

Juvenile delinquency is a result of many factors and experiences that mold and effect the youth of each generation. Theories help to bring understanding and a way to develop techniques to combat adolescent crime, but no one theory can answer or address all the issues that teens