Juvenile offending: An overview in support of assessing risk factors, needs, and strengths

Abstract

This article provides information about some of the key concepts and principles that define society’s approach to juvenile offenders. These are explicated as models of juvenile justice. The causes of juvenile offending are also elaborated through considering various theories of juvenile delinquency. Next, the prevalence of juvenile crime is addressed followed by an overview of preventative and responsive interventions to reduce juvenile offending. The article makes the case for a systematic approach to assessing risk factors, needs, and strengths. This approach fits well with major threads in the juvenile justice arena. It is also necessary in order to make sound and useful decisions about young offenders.

Keywords::

• Interventions
• Juvenile Offenders
• Justice Model
• Legislation
• Welfare Model