The Prevention Researcher, Volume 15, Number 1, 2008, Item# 151

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"Juvenile Delinquency" is a term that is commonly but imprecisely used. At the same time, delinquent behavior is fairly widespread, with some being almost normative. For example, about half of all youth report drinking alcohol in the past 30 days. Despite this, arrest data shows that youth do not account for a disproportionate share of crime. This issue of The Prevention Researcher focuses on juvenile delinquency with prevention strategies offered across a wide array of risk factors.

The issue begins with an introductory article that defines juvenile delinquency and then uses both self-report and arrest data to show the extent of delinquency among both males and females. It also examines the co-occurrence of delinquency with emotional problems and developmental issues.

One of the most robust findings in the juvenile delinquency research is the impact of associating with deviant peers, yet many programs group deviant youth together. Our second article explores this connection and offers suggestions for change.

Reducing the prevalence of school violence is a priority for many people. Our third article compares two separate, though interrelated approaches: school-based curricular programs and changing school climate. Research shows that school connectedness and student perceptions of school rules and discipline polices are related to levels of violence and aggression, so this is an area ripe for exploration.

Finally, the last article looks at the relationship between family functioning and the environment in urban neighborhoods. Results from the Chicago Youth Development Study show that the impact of families and neighborhoods are inter-related and must be considered together. This article ends with six opportunities to support urban families.

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