JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

Juvenile delinquency (JD), under the children act 1960, is defined as “an offense committed by a boy lt;16 years or girl lt;18 years”, which includes not only a crime but also any deviation from normal social behavior, e.g.

TABLE 28.13: Risk-factors for juvenile delinquency

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Biological

- Chromosomal excess, e.g. Klinefelter syndrome

- Physical/mental handicaps

- ? Hormonal disturbances, sp. in adolescence

• Social

- Family profile: Single parents, alcoholism

- Child-rearing practices: Overindulgence/discipline

- Rapid urbanization and industrialization

• Economic: Poverty and unemployment

• Environmental

- Adverse impact of audio-video media.

- Drug-abuse

- Adverse peer pressures

Incidence: Although correct estimates are not available, incidence of JD seems to be rising in Indian children due to rapid urbanization, industrialization and cultural changes. JD is more common during late adolescence (gt;15 years) and in males (4-5:1).

Causes: JD is a complex interplay of many social and environmental factors, though some children seem to be more prone for antisocial behavior and JD due to their biological characteristics (Table 28.13).

Preventive measures: Early detection and rectification of social and family maladjustment as well as control of adverse environmental influences is the key for prevention of JD and involves:

a. Family counseling regarding correct child-rearing practices and child-parent relationship,

b. Healthy child-teacher relationship in schools,

c. Outlet avenues for suppressed anger, e.g. helplines or child-guidance facilities,

d. Provision for appropriate recreation facilities, and

e. Social-welfare schemes including those to control or rehabilitate drug-abuse.

Juvenile Justice Act 2015 (under amendment 2018) aims to protect and care the children in conflict with law, by catering to their needs and adopt a child-friendly approach to reform and rehabilitate them with social reintegration.

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