Adolescence and Juvenile Delinquency

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"I think it's important for us as a society to remember that the youth within juvenile justice systems are, most of the time, youths who simply haven't had the right mentors and supporters around them - because of circumstances beyond their control. " -- Q'orianka Kilcher --

Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary (1980) defines adolescence as "the state or process of growing up"; even more specifically, adolescence is also defined as "the period of life from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority". Looking back on their adolescence, adults often conjure up grand memories, and laugh at their mistakes. Adolescence is a period in life that everyone must 'survive' in order to become an adult, although some go through it more turbulently than others. "Falling approximately between the ages of 12 and 20, adolescence is characterized by physical changes leading to sexual maturity" (Encyclopedia.com). Along with these obvious physical changes, more complex and hidden changes occur in an adolescent's attitude, outlook, and self-identity. Ultimately, the 'goal' of adolescence is to gain personal independence, and a sense of one's self. Although these physiological changes happen slowly, the environment has a great impact on how one's adolescent period will affect the person when they reach adulthood. Affective discipline at home, strong support groups, and a loving environment are all part of the key to surviving this difficult period and becoming a stronger person in the end. Many teenagers without the right combination of support factors in their lives can 'slip through the cracks' and discover a world more hostile than ever imagined. Our job as parents in today's society requires an understanding of this pro...

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...harsh consequences. There are many differences surrounding each youth's misdirection, and this third party action is deemed necessary only when a guardian's discipline and/or consequences have failed to control the adolescent. It is stated that the Parens Patriae doctrine will give "treatment" rather than treating a child similar to

an adult offender. Although treatment is considered the most effective method of rehabilitation in most cases, there are those juvenile offenders who are "beyond control" and whose cases are

transferred to an adult court. The state will also take charge when a child has committed a status offense, or has been neglected and/or abused, even by their parents. The idea of 'the state being the father' encompasses all children, whether delinquent, handicapped, or mistreated. This doctrine protects a child's right to be guided and guarded.

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