What is Juvenile Delinquency?

 

Juvenile delinquency means a kind of abnormal behavioral trait of a child, generally below 18 years, who deviates from his normal social life and status under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, juvenile delinquency means when a juvenile behaves in the manner which becomes dangerous to society and/or himself. In general, he becomes disobedient and unsocial gunda and abuses the others around.

 

The act of delinquency of a Juvenile

 

1. Going away from home without the permission or knowledge of other family members
2. Abnormal behaviour beyond the control of parents.
3. Idle above the limit.
4. Abuse or use of vulgar language.
5. Gambling frequently.
6. Sexual offender or offence.
7. Stealing from home and/or outside home.
8. Non-school goer
9. Laying on road and lying.
10. Disobedient to others frequently.
11. Disobedience to law.
12. Admitting into gang of robbers, murderers and other anti-social elements. Generally Juvenile Delinquents entertain serious or minor violent actions. They commit both serious and minor crimes viz. murder, theft, robbery, causing hurt, causing grievous hurt, house breaking, illegal trespass, rape, molestation, etc.; further then commit crimes like political crime, public order crime, corporate crime. They commit such crime either with mental balance and/or mental disorder.

 

Factors Contributing to Juvenile Delinquency

 

1. Family Dynamics: Family plays a crucial role in shaping a young person's behavior. An unstable or dysfunctional family environment characterized by neglect, abuse, or absence of positive role models can contribute to delinquent behavior.
2. Peer Influence: Adolescents are often highly influenced by their peers. Associating with delinquent peers or engaging in peer pressure-driven activities can lead to criminal behavior.
3. Economic Disadvantage: Socioeconomic factors like poverty and lack of access to basic resources can lead to frustration and desperation among young individuals, pushing them toward criminal activities as a means of survival or escape.
4. Educational Challenges: Poor school performance, truancy, and dropping out of school can increase the risk of juvenile delinquency. Education provides not only knowledge but also a sense of purpose and future prospects.
5. Mental Health Issues: Undiagnosed or untreated mental health disorders can contribute to impulsivity and poor decision-making, increasing the likelihood of delinquent behavior.
6. Substance Abuse: Drug and alcohol abuse can impair judgment and inhibition, leading to criminal actions that might not have occurred otherwise.

 

Addressing Juvenile Delinquency

 

To effectively combat juvenile delinquency, a multi-faceted approach is necessary:

1. Prevention Programs: Early intervention programs that address risk factors like family instability, low academic achievement, and substance abuse can help steer at-risk youth away from criminal activities.
2. Community Engagement: Creating safe and engaging spaces within communities can provide alternatives to delinquent behavior. After-school programs, sports, arts, and mentorship initiatives can keep young individuals occupied with positive activities.
3. Education Reform: Focusing on improving educational quality, addressing truancy, and providing vocational training can empower youth with skills and opportunities, reducing the appeal of criminal behavior.
4. Mental Health Support: Accessible mental health services can help identify and treat underlying issues that might lead to delinquency.
5. Restorative Justice: Implementing restorative justice practices can help juvenile offenders understand the impact of their actions on victims and the community, fostering accountability and empathy.
6. Family Support: Strengthening families through counseling, parental education, and support services can provide a stable foundation for young individuals.
7. Law Enforcement and Justice System Reform: The juvenile justice system should focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, with a strong emphasis on age-appropriate interventions and support.

 

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act of 2000

 

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act of 2000 makes the laws relating to juveniles in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection, by providing for proper care, protection and treatment by catering to their developing needs, and by adopting a child-friendly approach in the adjudication and disposition of matters in the best interest of children and for their ultimate rehabilitation etc.

 

Generally Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 provides for the following matters for the juvenile:

 

(a) lays down basic principles for administering justice to a Juvenile or the child

(b) makes the Juvenile system which is meant for a juvenile or child more appreciate of developmental needs in comparison to criminal justice system as applicable to adults

(c) brings the juvenile law in conformity with the united convention on the rights of the child

(d) prescribes a uniform age of 18 years for both boys and girls (e) ensures speedy disposal of cases by the authorities regarding Juvenile or the child within a time limit of 4 months.

(f) spells out the role of State as a facilitator rather than doer by involving voluntary organizations and local bodies in the implementation of policies

(g) creates special juvenile police units with a humane approach through sanitization and training of police personnel

(h) enables increased accessibilities to a juvenile or the child by establishing Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees and Homes in each District or Group of Districts (i) provides effective provisions and various alternatives for rehabilitation and social integration such as adoption, forester case, sponsorship and aftercare of abandoned, destitute, neglected and delinquent Juvenile and child.

 

Conclusion

 

Juvenile delinquency is a complex issue influenced by a variety of factors, and addressing it requires a comprehensive approach involving families, communities, schools, and the justice system. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing effective prevention and intervention strategies, societies can create an environment where young individuals are empowered to make positive choices and contribute meaningfully to their communities. The investment in the well-being of today's youth is an investment in a safer and brighter future for all.