Juvenile Delinquency

Name: Tommy-Lee Richards Subject: Social Studies SBA

Name: TOMMY-LEE RICHARDS
Student ID#:
Grade: 11 T
School: Port Antonio High
Subject: Social Studies
Date: October 27, 2021
Teacher: Ms. Barbara Williams

SOCIAL STUDIES SCHOOL BASED

ASSESSMENT (S.B.A.)

Topic: “Juvenile Delinquency”

 Table of Contents

Table of Contents Page(s)

Acknowledgements
Chapter One (1)
Introduction
The Research Component (The Study)
What is Juvenile Delinquency? (Definition & History)
Statement of the Problem
Reason for selecting area of Research (Topic)
Research Questions
• What are the causes of Juvenile Delinquency? (What makes teens commit crimes?)
• How does juvenile delinquency affect the home and community?
• What are some of the most effective programs to prevent Juvenile Delinquency?
Chapter Two (2)
Method of Investigation
Data Collection Instrument
• Questionnaire
Sample Questionnaire
• Interviews
• Map(s)
• Diagrams
• Pie Charts
• Bar Graphs
• Line Graph
• Rating Scales
Procedures used for Data Collection
• Interviews
• Observations
 • Discussions
Chapter Three (3)
Recommendations
Bibliography or References
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to the Almighty Yahweh Jehovah and Jesus Christ for keeping me safe and
healthy, and granting me the wisdom to complete this assignment.
I would like to thank my teacher Ms. Barbara Williams for guiding me in studies throughout
the school year and for imparting invaluable knowledge.
To my mother Ms. Kellee Merchant, I am greatly indebted for taking caring of me since
birth, and for helping me with my academics over the years, especially in researching this
Social Studies assignment or School-Based Assessment (SBA).
 Chapter One (1)
Topic: Juvenile Delinquency, Introduction, The Research Component (The
Study) Definition & History, Statement of Problem, Reason for selecting
area of research (Topic), Research Questions, Method of Investigation,
Procedures used for Data Collection, and Data Collection Instrument
Topic: Juvenile Delinquency

Introduction
According to the New Concise Oxford English Dictionary "Juvenile
Delinquency" is "the habitual committing of criminal acts" or offences "by a
juvenile" or young person, especially one below the age at which ordinary
criminal prosecution is possible (p. 772). In Jamaica the minimum age of
criminal responsibility is 12 years old. One of Jamaica's growing concern is the
state of crime and violence, and in particular the involvement of children in
criminal activities. The fear is that the fate of successive generations is
precariously poised if this trend continues. Factors such as unstable family life,
poverty, peer pressure, exposure to drugs and gang related activities, as well as
an erosion of strong morals, values and attitudes have been linked to the
increase in the incidence of crime among our children. Juvenile Delinquency is
a cause for grave concern as many adolescents are accused of criminal offences
and are often placed behind bars, leaving the victims to suffer the consequences
of their actions and putting their families in great distress. Many of these
children are guilty of status offences or petty crimes such as truancy, begging,
vagrancy, and misuse of alcohol or drug abuse, and sometimes there is mention
in the media of adolescents committing grave offences such as illegal
possession of firearm, unlawful wounding or even murder.
Juvenile Delinquency has posed a problem in my community over the years.
The community is located in Portland, Jamaica. It is located about a mile or
1.60939 km south east of the capital Port Antonio, in the direction of the Rio
Grande Valley. This is a peaceful, farming community within walking distance
of the town of Port Antonio and its major amenities. Approximately one
thousand persons live in the community. Majority of the residents are civil
servants or tradesmen (skilled workers); farmers, shopkeepers, housekeepers,
mechanics, masons, carpenters and plumbers, whilst about thirty percent (30%)
are unemployed. About ninety percent of the residents are of African/Caribbean
descent. 60% are Christians, 20% Rastafarians and 20% practise no religion.
Although the community doesn’t suffer greatly from incidences of violence, it is
plagued by the occassional "break-in" (theft/larceny), substance abuse (the
abuse of cannabis or the "ganja" or "marijuana") and truancy (loitering) by high-
school drop-outs.
 The Research Component (The Study)

What is Juvenile Delinquency?

Definition & History
According to the New Concise Oxford Englsh Dictionary "Juvenile Delinquency" is "the
habitual committing of criminal acts by a juvenile" (p. 772). Juvenile delinquency, is the
committing of unlawful acts or offences by young person, especially one below the age at
which ordinary criminal prosecution is possible. Juvenile Delinquency, a term used
simultaneously with "Children in Conflict with the Law" refers to anyone under the age of 18
years who comes into contact or conflict with the justice system as a result of being suspected
or accused of committing an offence (UNICEF, 2006). Wikipedia also states that "Juvenile
Delinquency", also known as "juvenile offending", is the act of participating in unlawful
behaviour as a minor or individual younger than the statutory age of majority. Children are as
much the victims as they are the perpetrators. Juvenile crimes can range from status offences
(such as underage smoking/drinking), to property crimes and violent crimes. Currently, there
are no agencies whose jurisdiction is tracking worldwide juvenile delinquency, but UNICEF
estimates that over one million children are in some type of detention globally.
The Juvenile Delinquents Act SC 1908, c 40, repealed 2 April 1984, was a law, first passed
by the Parliament of Canada to improve its handling of juvenile crime. Many countries do not
keep records of the amount of delinquent or detained minors, but of the ones that do, the
United States has the highest rate of juvenile delinquency, and males account for 70% of
cases. The situation of children in prison started receiving attention in 1989, when the
Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.
In Jamaica, the Office of the Children's Advocate (OCA) is mandated to promote and protect
the rights and best interests of Jamaica's children in accordance with the 1989 United Nations
Child Care Protection Act (CCPA), amended and enacted in 2004. The OCA began
operations in 2006 when the first Children's Advocate was appointed. Further to the United
Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child, a National Plan of Action for children was
developed. The formulation of a National Policy for children in 1997, as well as a task force
and monitoring committee which directed the legislative process and the subsequent
enactment of the Child Care and Protection Act in 2004, emerged from the justice review
process. The legislative framework was further strengthened by the appointment of a
Children's Advocate in 2006, and the establishment of the Office of the Children's Advocate.
The Children's Advocate acts as an Ombudsman for matters affecting children and the Office
of the Children's Advocate makes legal representation on their behalf. This legislative
framework makes provision for the care and protection of all children who offend the law,
irrespective of their offences. But despite the many protective treaties and conventions that
have been ratified to "protect children from the unlawful and arbitrary deprivation of their
liberty," (Article 37b, CRC) over one million children in the world are living in detention as a
result of being in conflict with the law (Defence for Children International, 2003). Many of
these children are detained without access to fair judicial process or legal representation,
medical care, education and individual development (Defence for Children International,
2003).
Issues affecting children need to be given priority attention. Scholars have found that the
increase in arrests for youth may reflect more aggressive criminal justice and zero-tolerance
policies, rather than changes in youth behaviour. A World Bank report stated that adolescents
ages 13-19 years were responsible for approximately 25% of major offences worldwide,
including armed robbery, assault, rape and murder, with males being the main perpetrators.
Although US officials' government statistics, indicated that youth violence rates have
dropped to approximately 12% peak rates in 1993, suggestive that most juvenile offending is
non-violent, but among the serious offences are murder and non-negligent homicide, rape,
robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arson. A contributing factor,
according to Diverse Education, that has gained attention in more recent years is that nearly
75% of US states have built more jails than colleges. Juvenile detention centres, courts and
electronic monitoring are common structures of the juvenile legal system. However, Juvenile
Courts are in place to address offenses for minors as civil rather than criminal cases in most
instances. The frequency of use and structure of these courts in the United States varies by
state, whilst in the Jamaican justice system, matters are mentioned in the said court but with a
different setting and features for juveniles. According to data compiled by the Jamaica
Constabulary Force Statistics and Information Management Unit, last year 78 teenagers were
arrested for shooting, 148 for illegal possession of firearm, and 63 for robbery with
aggravation. Depending on the type and severity of the offense committed, it is possible for
people under 18 years to be charged and treated as adults, in justice systems with inadequate
and flawed jurisdictions. Studies have proven that cost per inmate is significantly higher than
cost per student. This is a clear indication that tax payers' dollars are going toward providing
for prisoners, rather than providing for the educational system and promoting the
advancement of education and youth. For every school that is built, the focus on punitive
punishment has been seen to correlate with juvenile delinquency rates. Persons have
suggested shifting from zero tolerance policies to restorative justice approaches, which makes
sense if we are to rehabilitate our youths.
In fact, many delinquent acts can be attributed to environmental factors such as family
problems, social or economic status. According to Moffitt (2006), there are two different
types of offenders that emerge in adolescence. The first is an age specific offender, referred
to as the adolescence-limited offender, for whom juvenile offending or delinquency begins
and ends during their period of adolescence. The other type of offender is the repeat offender,
referred to as the life-course-persistent offender, who begins offending or showing
antisocial/aggressive behaviour in adolescence (or even in childhood) and continues into
adulthood. Moffitt (2006) argues that most teenagers tend to show some form of antisocial or
delinquent behaviour during adolescence, it is therefore important to account for these
behaviours in childhood in order to determine whether they will be adolescence-limited
offenders or more long term. Princeton sociologist Sara McLanahan reports that "children
from father-absent homes manifest a number of internalising and externalising problem
behaviours, including sadness and depression, delinquency, aggression, sex role difficulties,
early initiation of sexual activity and teenage pregnancy, as well as poor social, academic and
adaptive functioning and low self-esteem," thus without proper guidance from families their
wayward behaviour often continues into adulthood. According to 2002 data from the
Planning Institute of Jamaica, about 45 % of all Jamaican households are female headed,'
which "have a lower per capita consumption than those headed by males." Dr Ralph
Thompson, veteran educator and education advocate, addressing a recent Gleaner Editor's
Forum says "the problem stems from the absence of a nuclear family, which he says is critical
for the early stages of a child's development." Thompson says "an increasing number of
sibling, visiting relationships and single parent families have replaced the original family
structures. As is expected, these new family types lack the support and assistance in parenting
and cultural socialisation, which were traditionally present in the nuclear and extended
family." Thompson, education activist further incites that "the change in family structure, is
also seeing an increase in the number of teenage parents who are not adequately trained and
prepared, and so lack the requisite knowledge and information, for the task of motherhood.
At this age, they do not know how to raise children because they are children themselves."
Thompson says " for the children, the lack of a father figure can be disturbing in their
socialisation," and "as a result, school functioning is also affected with poorer performance
on academic and cognitive tests, school disciplinary problems, higher school absenteeism and
dropout rates and lower occupational attainment." In an article "Young and Dangerous -
Teenage Gangsters driving up the crime rate" by Gleaner Writer Corey Robinson on
Thursday, January 18, 2018, Executive Director of the Peace Management Initiative, Damion
Hutchinson stated that juvenile delinquents are as much the victims as they are the
perpetrators for "what is happening is that we have 11 and 12-year-olds leaving primary
school not functionally literate. They go into the secondary schools become detached because
they cannot manage the classes, so they get suspended, expelled, or they drop out and join the
gangs." Hutchinson further agitated that "The situation on the ground is very frightening", as
there are "too many youngsters not finishing secondary school, attracted by a life of crime,
being lured into gangs". Also earlier in a statement, Assistant Commissioner of Police Elan
Powell commented that gangs find juveniles "attractive" because they are "young" and
"impressionable." Powell further reiterates that "the gang lure is fuelled by a lack of
education, employment, and sometimes, an unwillingness to work." Indeed, The general
profile of a violent and serious child offender is a male, 15 to 16 years of age, (although
females are at risk too), who lacks basic literacy and numeracy skills and who is armed with a
type of bravado which appears to make him feel ruthless and invincible. "Such a profile has
resulted in calls from different areas of the society for a move away from the interest and
welfare of the child offender, toward one which is more concerned with public safety"
(Hunter, 2008, p. 120). Commissioner of Corrections Ina Hunter said that at the South Camp
Road Juvenile Remand and Correctional Centre in Kingston, programmes receiving "support
from the Organization of American States (OAS), geared towards the social reintegration,
tailored to improve, and designed to enhance the youngsters' emotional well-being, which it
is anticipated will contribute to reduced recidivism and, ultimately, reduced crime and
violence" (Hutchinson, Jamaica Gleaner, 2017). There are several facilities that cater to male
offenders. Among them is the Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre, founded 1950, a
therapeutic and "parent secured" government run institution which provides total care for the
wards. Boys are allowed to attend classes and trade as well as engage in spiritual, social and
recreational activities so as to foster a holistic growth. Extra-curricular activities and
behaviour modification programmes are also incorporated in the curriculum (Department of
Correctional Services, 2019). Notably, the justice system is however undergirded by a
rehabilitative thrust which places the welfare of the children first and foremost, while
acknowledging the threat to themselves and to the society. The understanding is that there are
factors and experiences which are impacting on these children's behaviour and given the
appropriate interventions, change is possible.
 Statement of the Problem
According to data compiled by the Jamaica Constabulary Force Statistics and Information
Management Unit, seventy eight (78) teenagers were featured prominently in the social
media as being in conflict with the law, as having committed grievous crimes such as illegal
possession of firearm, unlawful wounding/wounding with intent or assault occasioning bodily
harm, and murder. Leading contributing factors to Juvenile Delinquency are poor school
attendance and educational standards, violence in the home, violence in social circles, peer
pressure, socioeconomic factors, substance abuse and lack of moral guidance.
 Reason for selecting the area of Research (Topic)
The Researcher has chosen the topic “Juvenile Delinquency” seeing that this is a persistent
problem in my community and in Jamaica over the years. The social media is often littered
with many adolescents/teens in conflict with the law. Quite recently too several teenagers
were featured prominently in the social media, accused of committing serious offences, even
murder. This research aims to advocate for the most effective programs to target juvenile
delinquency prevention.
Research Questions
• What are the causes of Juvenile Delinquency (What makes teens commit crimes?)
• How does Juvenile Delinquency affect the home and community?
• What are some of the most effective programs to prevent Juvenile Delinquency?
Research Questions (Answered)
 What are the causes of Juvenile Delinquency?
What makes teens commit crimes?
• Broken Family. A teen adopts moral and ethical values from his parents and other
family members. Trauma negatively affects teens and so without good family support,
it can lead to depression and/or lead them to commit suicide.
• Lack of Communication. Often lack of discourse in the family can lead children to
develop low self-esteem, and be lead to find solace other than home.
• Lack of Finances. Lack of money and material possessions can lead teens to seek
financial support elsewhere.
• Lack of social and moral training. Contrary to the principles of the home, school and
church, teens are misled by community or outside influences (example peer pressure
and gangs).
• Issues relating to race, ethnicity (class) and/or minority groups (creed).

 How does Juvenile Delinquency affect the home and community?

Studies of juvenile delinquency have shown that the family environment can present as either
a risk or protective factor. Research has shown that as the number of risk factors to which
youths are exposed increases, so does the probability that he/she will engage in delinquent
behaviours. In summary, family life influences delinquency in a variety of ways. Children
reared by affectionate, consistent parents are unlikely to commit serious crimes either as
juveniles or adults. Children reared by parents who neglect or reject them are likely to be
greatly influenced by their community environments. Previous research has linked changes in
family structure to juvenile delinquency. Vice versa, it is possible that delinquency can
increase the likelihood of sibling rivalry and parental divorce as a delinquent child may cause
stress and discord in a family environment leading to deterioration in the bond between
siblings and parents' relationship. Many studies have found that delinquency is a symptom of
family breakdown. When death or marital conflicts or trauma deprive children of affection,
security, social opportunities, and physical necessities, they become depressed, might
contemplate suicide, and may even turn to peers and/or delinquent gangs for support. High-
crime neighbourhoods are characterized by high concentrations of families abandoned by
fathers. State-by-state analysis by heritage scholars indicates that a 10% percent increase in
the percentage of children living in single-parent homes leads typically to a 17% percent
increase in juvenile crime.
Juvenile Delinquency affects the community as victims may suffer financially as they replace
items that are lost or destroyed, and pay health care costs for injuries. But juveniles are as
much victims as they are perpetrators and need the help of both the home and community.
Communities play a primary role in preventing juvenile delinquency and the criminal
victimization of juveniles. With governmental support, communities can successfully change
local conditions to help youths become law-abiding, productive citizens. All community
members-policy-makers, clergy, elected officials, law enforcement, business leaders, media
representatives, teachers, parents and grandparents, and young people- are responsible for
ensuring the health and well-being of children. When all members of the community work
together to achieve common goals, everyone benefits from the strength of a working
partnership. Even medium and small-scale community mobilization efforts can be effective.
The community responses to Drug Abuse (CRDA) Initiative, a program researched by the
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and designed and implemented by the National Crime
Prevention Council (NCPC), found that modest neighbourhoods with limited resources can
make significant strides in reducing drug activity, protecting youths, and improving the
physical environment.

 What are some of the most effective programs to prevent Juvenile Delinquency?
The most effective programs for juvenile delinquency prevention share the following key
components:
• Education (Home & Family Life Education and clinical programmes for
at-risk/marginalised learners)
• Recreation (hobbies or favourite past-times and/or extra-curricular activities)
• Community involvement
• Health Care for teenage mothers and their infants
• Parent-Child Interaction Training Program
• Bullying Prevention Program
• Prevention Programs within the Juvenile Justice System
 Method of Investigation
As a student of Social Studies, the Researcher expects to improve in writing and
comprehension skills by researching and organizing this School Based Assessment (S.B.A.).
The Researcher intends to collect the information for this S.B.A. by researching online
articles, scouting through recent newspaper and academic text and/or journal, and use of
Questionnaires, interview and discussions.
Method of Data Collection

The researcher will use printed questionnaires to conduct research. The reasons
for using this tool is that:
a. It has several responses from which to choose.
b. It takes little time to be completed.
c. It guarantees anonymity.
 Data Collection Instrument
Data Collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of
interest, in an established systematic fashion that enables one to answer stated research
questions, test hypotheses and evaluate outcomes. Data Collection and analysis tools are
defined as a series of questionnaires, charts, maps, graphs, diagrams designed to collect,
interpret and present data for a wide range of applications and processes.
Data Collection Instrument
• Questionnaires
The questionnaire is the most commonly used instrument for collecting research data from
the participants of a study. Participants will be issued questionnaires, and invited to answer
all questions, and submit completed questionnaires within a two (2) days period.
 Sample Questionnaire
Instructions: Please tick the box to indicate your response.
1. Are you Male [ ] Female [ ]
2. What age group are you?
a. 16 - 19 years[ ], b. 20 - 30 years[ ] c. 31 - 40 years[ ] d. 41 - 50 years[] e. over 60 years [ ]
3. Are you...
a. Single [ ] b. Married [ ] c. Common-Law [ ] d. Divorced/Separated [ ]
4. What is your religion?
a. Christian [ ] b. Mormon [ ] c. Rastafarian [ ] d. Islam [ ] e. Cult [ ] f. None [ ]
5. What is your religious denomination?
a. Seventh Day Adventist [ ] b. Apostolic [ ] c. Revivalist [ ] d. Jehovah's Witness [ ] e.
None [ ]
6. What is your highest level of education?
a. Primary [ ] b. Secondary [ ] c. Tertiary [ ]
7. With whom do you live?
a. Parents [ ] b. Relatives [ ] c. Friend [ ] d. Spouse [ ] e. Alone [ ]
8. How long have you resided in the community?
a. Less than 3 years [ ] b. over 5 years [ ] c. over 10 years [ ] d. over 20 years [ ]
9. What is your occupation?
a. Unemployed[ ], b. Self-Employed[ ] c.Government Job[ ] d. Private Owned Business [ ]
10. What is your level of income per month?
a.Minimum Wage[ ] b.Over $50,000 [ ] c.Over $100,000 [ ] d.Over $200,000[ ],e. None [ ]
11. Is your home owned by ...
a. Rent [ ] b. Family [ ] c. Friend [ ] d. Mortgage [ ] e. Own Home [ ]
12. Are you a member of a political party?
a. None [ ] b. J.L.P. [ ] c. P.N.P. [ ] d. N.D.M. [ ]
13. Is Juvenile Delinquency a problem in your community?
a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]
14a. What problems are the main causes of Juvenile Delinquency?
a. Home & Family [ ] b. Peer Pressure [ ] c. Poor educational standards [ ] d. Lack of
moral guidance [ ]
14b. What are the most common offences or crimes for which juveniles were accused or
taken before the Court in your community within the last 3 years?
a.Assault occasioning bodily harm/Wounding with Intent [ ], b. Murder [ ], c. Illegal
possession of firearm/Guns [ ], d. Larceny (Break-In & Entering [ ], e. Drug Abuse
(Marijuana & Alcohol drinking) [ ], f. Truancy/Loitering [ ]
15. What institutions can best alleviate Juvenile Delinquency?
a. Home [ ] b. School [ ] c. Church [ ] d. Government [ ]
The End
“Thanks for your participation!"
Data Collection Instrument
• Interview(s)
Interview will be used as a data collection method. Person(s) will be interviewed and
questioned about their views on Juvenile Delinquency.
• Map
A map of the community will be available in the research.

• Diagrams
Diagrams will be used to illustrate information and/or locations

• Pie Charts
Pie Charts will be used to illustrate information on questionnaires using percentages.

• Bar Graphs
Bar graphs will be used to illustrate information on questionnaire

• Line Graph
Line graphs will be used to illustrate information on questionnaire

• Rating Scales
Rating scale will be used to illustrate information on questionnaire.
Chapter Two (2)

Presentation, Explanation and Interpretation of Data

 Explanation of Sample Size
Procedures used for data collection: explanation, presentation and interpretation
of data. Sample size (20). As was stated earlier, the researcher’s community has
approximately 1000 persons. To get an accurate number of participants, the
researcher will calculate 10% of that population (10% of 1000=100).
Those 100 persons’ names will be written on a register, and count off every five
names until you get 20 names.
Attempts will be made to contact these persons. These persons will be notified
that they form part of the research exercise. Notifications will be done by way
of phone calls, Whatsapp or text messages, emails and dropping-off notices.
Due to circumstances beyond my control; finances and time constraints, a total
of twenty (20) questionnaires were issued, but only ten (10) were returned
completed.
The data on these ten (10) questionnaires were assessed and analysed, and
information recorded.
 Procedures used for data collection
Interviews, Observations, Discussions and issued Questionnaires
• Interview(s)
An interview was conducted On October 28, 2021 with a 15 years old male
juvenile delinquent who is of a single parent upbringing and a high school drop-
out. The forty-eight (48) years old mother was sought for permission to conduct
the interview. His mother is unemployed and poor, and he doesn't receive much
financial support from his father. He resides with his mother in a one-room
delapidated board dwelling without proper living facilities. He attends school
irregularly and is technically a high school drop-out. He has had more than one
run-in with the police, accused of stealing cellular phones and other small
gadgets. At this young age he smokes marijuana. He often loiters on the road
with other boys his age.
When questioned about why he doesn't attend school regularly he states "me
mother can't afford to send me to school sometimes, and me don't understand
much of what the teacher a teach so me prefer not to go." When asked why he
smokes, he states that "smoking help me take me mind off me troubles and
relieve stress." When reminded of the negative effects of smoking, he comments
that "everybody have to die one day and none a we no know how we going go."
When asked how he intends to take care of himself when he becomes a man, he
stated confidently that he hopes to attend HEART NTA Institute to get himself
certified so that he can get a job to take care of himself, his little brother and his
mother.
At the end of the interview the juvenile was encouraged to desist smoking so
that he can lead a longer healthier life, and eventually become more focused so
that he can engage in future studies at HEART NTA. He was recommended to
the Programme of Advancement Through Health & Education (PATH). He was
encouraged to attend school more regularly, to participate in his lessons (ask
teacher questions if he doesn't understand) and to study his books at home. He
was also encouraged to attend church. His mother was also advised to visit the
Ministry of Labour & Social Security office with reference for the PATH
programme, and also advised to enquire about the Food for the Poor Programme
to seek assistance to renovate their dwelling so that they could improve their
living conditions.
 • Observation(s)
A group of teenagers (4 males and 1 female) ages 15 to 17 years old were
observed in my community over a two (2) weeks period. 3 lived in single parent
households, one lived with his grandmother, and one with a relative. Of the
group only one, the female, attended school regularly, but with a D average.
They converged at the same location, by the road side, near a corner shop in the
community, almost every night. They played loud obscene Dancehall music.
They gambled occasionally. Most smoked marijuana or cigarettes and two
drank liquor occasionally. All members in the group had run-ins with the police;
two of the males were accused for stealing cellular phones and other small
gadgets, one for breaking into a shop, one for scamming, and the female for
being involved in a fight with another female about being intimate with a man.
They all confessed that they had home and family problems (family feud) so to
avoid the quarrels at home, boredom, or the arduous task of household chores,
they loitered or "hang-out" on the street with their friends. Their activities were
very much routine.
After a conversation and counseling session with the group, at the end of the
two-weeks period, the researcher once again observed the group's activities.
Referrals were made to the school(s) through the Guidance Department and
church and home visits were conducted. There were changes in codes of
conduct. Family bonds were repaired and the teens became more involved in
activities within the home. The families had re-enrolled the adolescents in
school and they engaged in home work activities and their grades improved
subtly. Whilst Dancehall music was still a favourite, the members admitted that
they had made behavioural improvements. They stopped gambling. Quiting the
habit of smoking, however, posed a problem, as this was not an easy thing to
do, but the teenagers all confessed that they drank and smoked less, were
attending counseling sessions at school and made regular visits to the family
doctor. They confessed that stealing was not just breaking the law, but that it
was wrong by Biblical standards, and they would desist. One family returned
the few goods that were stolen from the shop, and the cellular phones, gadgets
and money were either replaced or all returned to the rightful owners. One thing
remained constant though, the teens still converged or "hang-out" at their
favourite spot on the street occasionally, although they are constantly reminded
by their families of the present curfew because of the COVID 19 epidemic and
basic restrictions in place. One teen was placed on a supervision order by the
court which included restrictive requirements prohibiting the juvenile from
certain activities or a curfew in the form of a "night restriction", a requirement
to remain at home during the evening for a specified period.
 • Discussions
What if everything you knew about disciplining kids was wrong?
Most schools and teachers continue to rely on a system of rewards and
punishment - prizes for good behaviour, consequences for misbehaviour. But
recent developmental psychology research indicates that "consequences have
consequences." In other words, treating kids as bad actors may create
momentary peace in a classroom, but it undermines their long-term autonomy
and socialization.
What are the causes of Juvenile Delinquency?
Some of the leading contributing factors to juvenile delinquency are; violence in
the home, poor school attendance, poor educational standards, violence in social
circles, peer Pressure, socioeconomic factors (family problems, absenteeism and
lack of finances), Substance Abuse, and lack of Moral Guidance.
What happens to children in abusive families?
The Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA, 2004) gives the court the authority
to visit and inspect homes as well as establishes the rights of the child in places
of safety. A family is the preferred environment for the care and upbringing of
children and the responsibility for the protection of children rests primarily with
the parents, thus the state always tries everything in its power to help
dysfunctional families before considering alternate choices or routes. Also the
CCPA states that "if with available support services, a family can provide a safe
and nurturing environment for a child, support services should be provided
(counseling services to build parent-child interactions) or place the child in the
care of a responsible relative. The court in its criminal jurisdiction is required by
law to "have regard to the child or young person", and if satisfied that it was
necessary to do so, remove the youth from unsatisfactory surroundings for his
own good, irrespective of the gravity of the offence. In appearing before the
court, a juvenile charged with a minor offense could be removed from parental
custody and required to reside in an institution (state care), perhaps for a period
of several years and possibly under conditions of security. Under legislation
passed in the late 1960s, a care order mandated by the youth court could
effectively transfer parental rights to the local authority. A supervision order
may also be used where the juvenile is placed under the general supervision of a
social worker which sometimes requires participation in a wide range of
organized, constructive activities as intermediate treatment.
What are the effects of Juvenile Delinquency on the victims, delinquents and
their families, and community or society?
Not only does the problem affect the victims of the crime; it also affects the
juvenile delinquent's future, family, community and society as a whole. The
most obvious people affected by juvenile delinquency are the victims. Whether
the crime involves theft, vandalism, or violence, the victims always suffers loss.
The victim may incur expenses related to lost wages, health care, or
psychological care, in addition to the cost of replacing damaged or destroyed
items. The upheaval and trauma of having a family member who is a juvenile
delinquent can create instability for the other relatives and everyone involved.
Not only does the family have to cope with the needs of the child who is in
trouble, but they may also have to raise large amounts of money to pay for
lawyers and compensate the victims. In addition, the family has to face the
ethical issues of responsibility to the victims of the child's crime. Families must
usually attend group counseling sessions, which can be disruptive and costly
during the time when the child is in detention or on probation. The juvenile who
commits a crime also suffers effects that he/she is probably unable to predict.
The delinquent may be acting out to protest perceived abuses that have been
perpetrated against them. They may believe that there is no future for them
outside of a life of crime. They may be expressing anger or frustration directed
against another person or group, or looking for approval from a gang. Whatever
the motive, juvenile delinquency affects too many individuals, families and
communities. He/she might lose his/her freedom while being incarcerated or
placed on probation. It may affect his/her academics. Although placement in a
residential detention centers for juveniles may be appropriate consequences for
the adolescent's criminal actions, it also puts him/her in relationships with other
delinquents, who may be more sophisticated or influential. This makes
recidivism likely, and in many cases when a juvenile older than 14 years
becomes a repeat offender, he/she can be tried and sentenced as an adult. The
delinquency may even have future consequences on the adolescents’ college
and career choices. The effects of delinquency on the society can be devastating
as there is a correlation between juvenile delinquency drug use, alcohol abuse,
sexual behaviour, and gang involvement. All of these issues challenge
communities by making neighbourhoods unsafe, and costing large amounts of
public money to be spent on school safety and law enforcement. It is a serious
problem that challenges the efforts of communities, government agencies,
educators, religious groups, and non-profit organizations alike.
Why shouldn't Corporal Punishment be used in schools?
Jamaica ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
(UNCRC) in 1991, whereas article 37 proscribes "batteration", a code word for
torture or other cruel inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, a similar
article 19 places a moral obligation for all member states- "be it by virtue of
legislative, administrative, social or educational means-to ensure the protection
of the child from all types of physical or mental violence, harm or abuse."
Jamaica has banned corporal punishment in certain circumstances. Section 16,
(Subsection 1) of the Early Childhood Act prohibits corporal punishment in
early childhood institutions. Specifically, Section 62 of the Child Care and
Protection Act gives children in a place of safety, children's home or in the care
of a fit person the right "to be free from corporal punishment". In an article in
the Jamaica Observer, "The rod of batteration", Burns advises that we should
"expose the dysphemism associated with beating children as a means for
correcting bad behaviour" and further incites that "Outside the structure of
legalism, the State has responsibility to protect its children from any, and all
kinds of abuse, forms of neglect, types of harm, or styles and threat of harm or
cruelty. Deans of Discipline in secondary high schools should learn alternate
forms of disciplining wayward students without applying the cane or belt or any
other instrument that can cause pain and suffering."
How can the home and school prevent Juvenile Delinquency?
Parents can prevent juvenile delinquency by; good communication, alert and
awareness, proper supervision and monitoring of children, encourage extra-
curricular activities and hobbies, establish principles, remain firm, spend time
with children and provide adequate financial support. Schools can prevent
juvenile delinquency through bullying prevention, life skills training programs
for students and parents, school transitional environmental program for school
leavers, anger coping program, and problem solving skills training program,
which have shown some form of success when it comes to preventing certain
delinquency.
What Laws are in place for children who commit serious offences?
The United Nations Child Care and Protection Act (2004) stipulates that a child
is anyone under the age of eighteen (18) years and "it shall be conclusively
presumed that no child under the age of twelve years can be guilty of an
offence" (Child Care Protection Act, 2004, Section 63). However, nearly all
offences committed by children in their teens (adolescents) are tried in youth
courts, though the courts are not bound to deal with extremely serious offences
such as robbery or rape. On such charges, a young person will nearly always be
tried as an adult. In most cases a youth also will be tried as an adult for murder
or manslaughter. If he is charged jointly with an adult crime while being tried in
juvenile court, he can be sent to an adult court for trial, though he is normally
returned to the youth court for sentencing. In 1991 the Criminal Justice Act
allowed the newly named Youth Court to handle cases involving 17 year olds,
and in 1994 the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act assigned stiffer
punishments to juvenile offenders. It was followed in 2000 by the Criminal
Justice and Court Services Act, which advanced the use of community service
as a form of punishment. Whilst youths are impulsive and susceptible, it does
not excuse them from the responsibility of their actions, but institutions like the
U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized that youth are less blameworthy
than adults and more capable of change and rehabilitation, so laws must be
passed to protect kids from their own poor decisions and from adults who would
harm or take advantage of them, or from justice systems that would treat them
unfairly.
What are the reasons for which children are brought before the Court?
The reasons for which children were brought before the Court in 2006, as
indicated, paints a very disturbing picture of the needs of our children and their
involvement in criminal activities. There were 2, 629 cases of children
appearing before the court, an increase of 365 compared to 2005. The offences
with the highest frequencies were wounding, dangerous drugs, armed with
offensive weapon and assault occasioning bodily harm. Of major concern is that
over the years, offences have noticeably shifted from mainly simple larceny and
wounding, to include more serious crimes which are related to sex, guns and
drugs.
What happens when teens are charged as adults?
Often there is irreversible harm done when prosecutors fast-track kids into adult
court and adult prisons. Children tried as adults can develop mental health
problems and are more likely to commit suicide than youths in juvenile
facilities. Children tried as adults face danger, less chance for rehabilitation,
which can lead to permanent setbacks and high recidivism rates (Curley, 2016).
Youths sentenced as adults receive an adult criminal record, which restricts
them from many employment and educational opportunities and financial aid.
Furthermore, research shows that children prosecuted in the adult criminal
justice system are more likely to reoffend than those held in the juvenile justice
system. Misguided 'tough-on-crime" policies have taken a toll on youths across
the country, as these policies have not only failed to make our communities
safer, but have endangered children and needlessly derailed young lives.
Presentation and Interpretation of Data (Questionnaire)

In question #1. Are you male [ ] female [ ],

Explanation: 60% of the respondents are Males, and 40% Females.

60
50
40
Sex
30
20
10
0
Males Females

Figure 2.1
In question #2. What age group are you?
a. 16 - 19 years [ ] b. 20 - 30 years [ ] c. 31 - 40 years [ ] d. 41 - 50 years [] e. over 60
years [ ],
Explanation: 20% are 16-19 years, 30% 20-30 years, 20% 31-40 years, 20% 41-50 years, and
10% over 60 years.

Age
30

25

20

15

10

0
16-19 20-30 31-40 41-50 Over
60yrs

Figure 2.2
In question #3. Are you...
a. Single [ ], b. Married [ ], c. Common-Law [ ], d. Divorced/Separated [ ],
Explanation: 40% are Single, 10% Married, 30% Common-law and 20% Divorced/Separated.

Single

Married

Common-Law

Divorced/Seperated

Figure 2.3
In question #4. What is your religion?
a. Christian [ ], b. Mormon [ ], c. Rastafarian [ ], d. Islam [ ], e. Cult [ ], f. No Religion [ ],
Explanation: 50% are Christians, 0% Mormon, 30% Rastafarians, 0% Islam, 0% Cult, and
20% No Religion

50
Religion
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Christian Mormon Rastafar- Islam Cult No Re-
ian ligion

Figure 2,4
In question #5. What is your religious denomination?
a.Seventh Day Adventist[ ], b.Apostolic[ ], c.Revivalist[ ], d.Jehovah's Witness[ ], e.None[],
Explanation: 20% Seventh-Day Adventists, 30% Apostolic, 10% Revivalist, 20% Jehovah's
Witness and 20% None

Denomination
30

25

20

15

10

0
Seventh- Apostolic Revivalist Jehovahs None
Day Ad- Witness
ventist

Figure 2.5
In question #6. What is your highest level of education?
a. Primary [ ] b. Secondary [ ] c. Tertiary [ ],
Explanation: 10% Primary, 70% Secondary and 20% Tertiary

20 10

70

Figure 2.6
In question #7. With whom do you live?
a. Parents [ ] b. Relatives [ ] c. Friend [ ] d. Spouse [ ],
Explanation: 50% Parents, 20% Relatives, 20% Friend and 10% Spouse

20 10
50
20

Figure 2.7
In question #8. How long have you resided in the community?
a. Less than 3 years [ ] b. over 5 years [ ] c. over 10 years [ ] d. over 20 years [ ],
Explanation: 20% less than 3 years, 30% over 5 years, 30% over 10 years, and 20% over 20
years

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
3yrs 5yrs 10yrs 20yrs

Figure 2.8
In question #9. What is your occupation?
a. Unemployed[ ] b. Self-Employed [ ] c. Government Job [ ] d. Private Owned Business[ ],
Explanation: 40% Unemployed, 20% Self-Employed, 30% Government Job, and 10% Private
Owned Business

10 Unemployed

Self-Employed
40
30 Government-
Job

Private
Business
20

Figure 2.9
In question #10. What is your level of income per month?
a. Minimum Wage [ ] b. Over $50,000 [ ] c. Over $100,000 [ ] d. Over $200,000 [ ] e.
None [ ],
Explanation: 60% Minimum Wage, 20% over $50,000, 20% over $100,000, and 0% over
$200,000

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
Min- Over Over Over
imun $50,000 $100,00 $200,00
Wage Income
0 0

Figure 2.10
In question #11. Is your home owned by...
a. Rent [ ], b. Family [ ], c. Friend [ ], d. Mortgage [ ],
Explanation: 30% Rent, 40% Family, 20% Friend, and 10% Mortgage

10
Rent
30
20 Family

Friend

Mortgage
40

Figure 2.11
In question #12. Are you a member of a political party?
a. J.L.P. [ ], b. P.N.P. [ ], c. N.D.M. [ ], d. None [ ],
Explanation: 60% JLP, 30% PNP, 0% NDM, and 10% None

70
60
60 Political
50 Opinion
40
30
30
20
10
10
0
0
J.L.P P.N.P N.D.M None

Figure 2.12
In question #13. Is Juvenile Delinquency a problem in your community?
a. Yes [ ], b. No [ ],
Explanation: 60% Yes, and 40% No

40

60

Yes No

Figure 2.13
In question #14a. What problems are the main causes of Juvenile Delinquency?
a. Home & Family Problems [ ] b. Peer Pressure [ ] c. Poor Educational Standards [ ] d.
Lack of Moral Guidance [ ],
Explanation: 30% Home & Family Problems, 30% Peer Pressure, 20% Poor Educational
Standards, and 20% Lack of Moral Guidance

30

25

20

15

10

0
Home & Peer Poor Lack of
Family Pressure Educa- Moral
problems tion
Causes Guidance

Figure 2.14
In question 14b. What are the most common offences or crimes for which juveniles were
accused or taken before the Court in your community within the last 3 years?
a. Assault occasioning bodily harm/Wounding with Intent [ ], b. Murder [ ], c. Illegal
possession of firearm/Guns [ ], d. Larceny (Break-In & Entering) [ ], e. Drug Abuse
(Marijuana & Alcohol drinking) [ ], f. Truancy/Loitering [ ]
Explanation: 20% Assault occasioning bodily harm/Wounding with Intent, 0% Murder, 10%
Illegal possession of firearm/Guns, 20% Larceny (Break-In & Entering), 30% Drug Abuse
(Marijuana & Alcohol drinking), and 20% Truancy/Loitering,

Percentage(s)
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30% .
20% . . .
10% .
0% .
Offences Wounding Murder Guns Larceny Drug Abuse Truancy/Loitering

Figure 2.15
In question #15. What institutions can best alleviate Juvenile Delinquency?
a. Home [ ], b. School [ ], c. Church [ ], d. Government [ ],
Explanation: 40% Home, 30% School, 10% Church, and 20% Government

40 Institutions most equipt

alleviate the Issue
35

30

25

20

15

10

0
Home School Church Gov-
ern-
ment

Figure 2.16
Chapter Three (3)
Recommendations, Bibliography/References & Appendix 1 & Appendix 2
Recommendations
Although Jamaica has made great strides in addressing the needs of children,
there are many areas of concern pertaining to Juvenile Delinquency or Children
in Conflict with the Law. The deficits include compliance with the Conventions
on the Rights of the Child regarding the normative framework for the
structuring of the justice system and its facilities, the administration of juvenile
justice especially as it regards the education and quality of individual
development efforts and a lack of proper parenting skills.
Long Term Initiatives
Long term initiatives should include: efforts to reduce the level of violence in
the culture; legislative actions to improve economic conditions of women and
their families; and effective community policing towards improving child and
law enforcement relations in volatile garrison communities.
Initiatives Requiring Prompt Attention
Initiatives requiring prompt attention include; the government providing the
necessary resources to serve children in conflict with the law effectively,
legislatively holding parents accountable and responsible for their children,
prosecuting the commercial exploitation of children, and providing safe
alternatives for income among impoverished families/households; offering
opportunities through the establishment of a community or learning centre to
keep children in the community productively occupied so as to prevent them
from coming into conflict with the law; and improving police and children
interactions. In addition, facilitate greater use of community resources such as
counseling towards appropriate family, health and personal decision-making,
skills training, and offering children in conflict with the law the least restrictive
care.
The Ministry of Education should address illiteracy and innumeracy rates
among children; investigate cases of "abandoned school spaces" and encourage
teachers to employ differentiated learning methodologies through use of clinical
programmes among children with learning deficiencies and/or at-risk, plan
lessons to target boys who are marginalised, facilitate student transportation and
food assistance beyond primary school; and reduce school violence. The
Ministry of Justice should improve the speed and quality of justice, and offer
transition assistance for children leaving the secondary school system at 18
years. For Children in Conflict with the Law, there should be year-round
academic instruction and available skills-training. Fundraising initiatives should
be formalized and interagency cooperation improved. Within the residential
facilities; facilitate children's contact with the OCA, and with family; improve
facility safety efforts; offer evidence based rehabilitation; improve caring and
confidentiality; improve child advocacy, and collect data towards empirically
informed practices.
Bibliography or References
Department of Correctional Services, Ministry of National Security,
Government of Jamaica. (2006). Annual Report.
"Holistic rehabilitation essential for delinquent juveniles- Hunter". March 17,
2017. Yhomo Hutchinson. Jamaica Gleaner.
Juveniles Tried As Adults: What Happens When Children Go To Prison.
November 11, 2016. Caitlin Curley.
Life-Course-Persistent versus Adolescence-Limited Antisocial Behavior (2006).
Terrie E. Moffitt.
New Concise Oxford English Dictionary Eleventh Edition (2004). Oxford
University Press. Catherine Soanes and Angus Stevenson.
The Child Care and Protection Act, Jamaica (2004).
"The rod of batteration." January 2, 2016. Christopher Burns. Jamaica Observer.
The Profile and Treatment of Serious Juvenile Offenders in Jamaica (2008). Ina
Rose Hunter.
The State of the world's children 2006: excluded and invisible. UNICEF Annual
Report. UNICEF 2006.
Treating the juvenile offender. Hoge, R.; Guerra; & Boxer, P. (2008). Guilford
Press, New York.
"Young and Dangerous - Teenage Gangsters driving up the crime rate"
(Thursday, January 18, 2018). Corey Robinson. Jamaica Gleaner.
 Appendix 1

Sample Questionnaire

Instructions: Please tick the box to indicate your response.

1. Are you Male [ ] Female [ ]

2. What age group are you?

a. 16 - 19 years[ ], b. 20 - 30 years[ ] c. 31 - 40 years[ ] d. 41 - 50 years[] e.

over 60 years [ ]

3. Are you...

a. Single [ ] b. Married [ ] c. Common-Law [ ] d. Divorced/Separated [ ]

4. What is your religion?

a.Christian[ ] b.Mormon[ ] c.Rastafarian[ ] d.Islam[ ] e.Cult[ ] f.None [ ]

5. What is your religious denomination?

a. Seventh Day Adventist [ ] b. Apostolic [ ] c. Revivalist [ ] d. Jehovah's

Witness [ ] e. None [ ]

6. What is your highest level of education?

a. Primary [ ] b. Secondary [ ] c. Tertiary [ ]

7. With whom do you live?

a. Parents [ ] b. Relatives [ ] c. Friend [ ] d. Spouse [ ] e. Alone [ ]

8. How long have you resided in the community?

a.Less than 3 years[ ] b.over 5 years[ ] c.over 10 years[ ] d.over 20 years[ ]

9. What is your occupation?

a. Unemployed[ ], b. Self-Employed[ ] c.Government Job[ ] d. Private Owned

Business [ ]

10. What is your level of income per month?

a.Minimum Wage[] b.Over $50,000 [ ] c.Over $100,000 [ ] d.Over $200,000[],

e. None [ ]
11. Is your home owned by ...

a. Rent [ ] b. Family [ ] c. Friend [ ] d. Mortgage [ ] e. Own Home [ ]

12. Are you a member of a political party?

a. None [ ] b. J.L.P. [ ] c. P.N.P. [ ] d. N.D.M. [ ]

13. Is Juvenile Delinquency a problem in your community?

a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

14a. What problems are the main causes of Juvenile Delinquency?

a. Home & Family [ ] b. Peer Pressure [ ] c. Poor educational standards [ ] d.

Lack of moral guidance [ ]

14b. What are the most common offences or crimes for which juveniles were
accused or taken before the Court in your community within the last 3 years?

a.Assault occasioning bodily harm/Wounding with Intent [ ], b. Murder [ ], c.

Illegal possession of firearm/Guns [ ], d. Larceny (Break-In & Entering) [ ], e.
Drug Abuse (Marijuana & Alcohol drinking) [ ], f. Truancy/Loitering [ ]

15. What institutions can best alleviate Juvenile Delinquency?

a. Home [ ] b. School [ ] c. Church [ ] d. Government [ ]

The End

“Thanks for your participation!"

Appendix 2

Sample Questionnaire

Instructions: Please tick the box to indicate your response.

1. Are you male [ ] female [ ],

Explanation: 60% of the respondents are Males, and 40% Females.

2. What age group are you?

a. 16 - 19 years [ ] b. 20 - 30 years [ ] c. 31 - 40 years [ ] d. 41 - 50 years []

e. over 60 years [ ],

Explanation: 20% are 16-19 years, 30% 20-30 years, 20% 31-40 years, 20% 41-
50 years, and 10% over 60 years.

3. Are you...

a. Single [ ], b. Married [ ], c. Common-Law [ ], d.Divorced/Separated [ ],

Explanation: 40% are Single, 10% Married, 30% Common-law and 20%
Divorced/Separated.

4. What is your religion?

a. Christian [ ], b. Mormon [ ], c. Rastafarian [ ], d. Islam [ ], e. Cult [ ], f. No

Religion [ ],

Explanation: 50% are Christians, 0% Mormon, 30% Rastafarians, 0% Islam, 0%

Cult, and 20% No Religion

5. What is your religious denomination?

a.Seventh Day Adventist[ ], b.Apostolic[ ], c.Revivalist[ ], d.Jehovah's

Witness[ ], e.None[],

Explanation: 20% Seventh-Day Adventists, 30% Apostolic, 10% Revivalist,

20% Jehovah's Witness and 20% None

6. What is your highest level of education?

a. Primary [ ] b. Secondary [ ] c. Tertiary [ ],

Explanation: 10% Primary, 70% Secondary and 20% Tertiary

7. With whom do you live?

a. Parents [ ] b. Relatives [ ] c. Friend [ ] d. Spouse [ ],

Explanation: 50% Parents, 20% Relatives, 20% Friend and 10% Spouse

8. How long have you resided in the community?

a. Less than 3 years [ ] b. over 5 years [ ] c. over 10 years [ ] d. over 20

years [ ],

Explanation: 20% less than 3 years, 30% over 5 years, 30% over 10 years, and
20% over 20 years

9. What is your occupation?

a. Unemployed[ ] b. Self-Employed [ ] c. Government Job [ ] d. Private Owned

Business[ ],

Explanation: 40% Unemployed, 20% Self-Employed, 30% Government Job,

and 10% Private Owned Business

10. What is your level of income per month?

a. Minimum Wage [ ] b. Over $50,000 [ ] c. Over $100,000 [ ] d. Over

$200,000 [ ] e. None [ ],

Explanation: 60% Minimum Wage, 20% over $50,000, 20% over $100,000, and
0% over $200,000

11. Is your home owned by...

a. Rent [ ], b. Family [ ], c. Friend [ ], d. Mortgage [ ],

Explanation: 30% Rent, 40% Family, 20% Friend, and 10% Mortgage

12. Are you a member of a political party?

a. J.L.P. [ ], b. P.N.P. [ ], c. N.D.M. [ ], d. None [ ],

Explanation: 60% JLP, 30% PNP, 0% NDM, and 10% None

13. Is Juvenile Delinquency a problem in your community?

a. Yes [ ], b. No [ ],

Explanation: 60% Yes, and 40% No

14a. What problems are the main causes of Juvenile Delinquency?

a. Home & Family Problems [ ] b. Peer Pressure [ ] c. Poor Educational

Standards [ ] d. Lack of Moral Guidance [ ],

Explanation: 30% Home & Family Problems, 30% Peer Pressure, 20% Poor
Educational Standards, and 20% Lack of Moral Guidance

14b. What are the most common offences or crimes for which juveniles were
accused or taken before the Court in your community within the last 3 years?

a.Assault occasioning bodily harm/Wounding with Intent [ ], b. Murder [ ], c.

Illegal possession of firearm/Guns [ ], d. Larceny (Break-In & Entering) [ ], e.
Drug Abuse (Marijuana & Alcohol drinking) [ ], f. Truancy/Loitering [ ]

Explanation: 20% Assault occasioning bodily harm/Wounding with Intent, 0%

Murder, 10% Illegal possession of firearm/Guns, 20% Larceny (Break-In &
Entering), 30% Drug Abuse (Marijuana & Alcohol drinking), and 20%
Truancy/Loitering,

15. What institutions can best alleviate Juvenile Delinquency?

a. Home [ ], b. School [ ], c. Church [ ], d. Government [ ],

Explanation: 40% Home, 30% School, 10% Church, and 20% Government