Preventing Juvenile Delinquency
Summary
Juvenile crimes have been a challenge in the United States, with young person’s engaging in different crimes. In Washington, there have been reports of truancy from schools, drug and substance abuse, bullying in schools, robbery, and theft, among other crimes (Wang et al., 2020). The crimes are attributed to various issues such as peer pressure, socio-economic challenges, mental stress, depression, and family problems. However, there are several measures put in place by parents, schools, governments, and charity organizations to prevent such crimes.
Programs Currently in Operation in the Community
Various organizations have addressed juvenile crimes by employing the relevant programs to reduce such vices. A good example is the Boys and Girls Club, which brings various citizens together to raise better citizens. This is a charity foundation funded by its members and philanthropists. The clubs offer education programs to educate the young people on the benefits of being responsible citizens for personal and society’s benefits. A vast number can see the success of the Boys and Girls club of prominent persons who have achieved substantial success in politics and businesses.
Another notable organization is the Pace Center, which helps young girls be responsible citizens. The club targets young women, mostly of school-going age, who exhibit behaviors that are likely to contribute to crime, such as truancy, depression, and drug and substance abuse. Besides targeting direct victims, the club has various programs that reach students in schools, colleges, and universities addressing crimes in these populations by helping them understand the benefits of crime-free societies (Millenky et al., 2019). The organization helps rehabilitate those already caught up in destructive behaviors and crimes, enabling them to develop more positive and constructive habits.
The club is a charity organization and receives funding through the generous contribution of well-wishers and former beneficiaries (Millenky et al., 2019). Various educational programs encourage transformation and responsibility, preventing and dealing with depression, resisting peer pressure, and preventing crimes. The organizations employ various strategies to curb juvenile crimes, such as counseling, workshops, and mentoring. The clubs create free and safe environments where young people can address their challenges, potentially leading to crime. Such ensures that the program management understands each person’s unique needs in the program and, therefore, employs the most appropriate learning technique.
Main Sociological Theories Underlining the Intervention
Despite the organization’s efforts to curb juvenile crimes, various issues must be improved to increase their effectiveness. For instance, the organizations need to give equal significance to young persons who have not committed crimes as they give to those who have. Additionally, addressing stress and depression may reduce juvenile delinquency by helping students to realize the areas that give them real fulfillment (Brownfield, 2018). Such ensures more prevention measures are employed, thereby significantly eliminating crimes. Addressing vulnerable members of society plays a vital role in crime prevention (Wilcox & Cullen, 2018). For instance, advocacy for better economic structures and models may play a vital role in reducing drug and substance abuse, prostitution, depression, robbery, and theft (Lisner & Clark, 2021). The differential opportunity theory states that socio-economic differences can contribute to crimes (Wilcox & Cullen, 2018).
In conclusion, juvenile crimes have been prevalent over the years in the US, including in Washington. Organizations such as the Boys and Girls and the Pace Center for girls have been instrumental in curbing juvenile crimes by employing various initiatives such as education, counseling, and mentorship. The clubs are charity organizations funded by well-wishers. Effective strategies will help prevent juvenile delinquency and shape a promising future for young people.
References
Brownfield, D. (2018). Subcultural theories of crime and delinquency. In Criminological Controversies (pp. 99-124). Routledge.
Lisner, Z., & Clark, U. D. N. (2021). The correlation between socio-economic factors and recidivism in drug treatment courts. Journal of Law, Policy, and Globalization.
Millenky, M., Treskon, L., Freedman, L., & Mage, C. (2019). Focusing on girls’ futures: Results from the evaluation of PACE Center for Girls. New York: MDRC.
Wilcox, P., & Cullen, F. T. (2018). Situational opportunity theories of crime. Annual Review of Criminology, 1, 123-148.
Wang, K., Chen, Y., Zhang, J., & Oudekerk, B. A. (2020). Indicators of school crime and safety: 2019. NCES 2020-063/NCJ 254485. National Center for Education Statistics.