Juvenile Delinquency

Juvenile delinquency, also termed as juvenile offending, is the habitual unlawful behavior of minors (10 to 17 years old). This is characterized by frequent anti-social acts and participating in criminal activities. This out of parental control behavior is dealt with by the state’s legal system. Juveniles who commit minor offenses are often merely issued warnings and some are detained and their parents are called to pick them up. More severe offenses are referred to juvenile courts; the punishments include community service, probation, and juvenile center detention. The risk factors include authoritarian or permissive parenting, low socioeconomic status, poor social support, and poor academic performance.