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What is Juvenile Delinquency?

Children often test the limits and boundaries set by their parents and other authority figures. Among adolescents, some rebelliousness and experimentation is common. However, a few children consistently participate in problematic behaviors that negatively affect their family, academic, social, and personal functioning. These children present great concern to parents and the community at large. The prevention of delinquency requires identifying at-risk individuals and their environments before delinquent activity and behavior occur, and then removing such risk factors or strengthening resistance to the risk factors already present. The most logical starting place for prevention efforts is the family.

The prevention of delinquency requires identifying at-risk individuals and their environments before delinquent activity and behavior occur, and then removing such risk factors or strengthening resistance to the risk factors already present. The most logical starting place for prevention efforts is the family.

How do I Know if my Child is Getting into Trouble?

If your child is overtly defiant to authority figures, lying, exhibiting aggressive behavior, you may be headed for trouble. These are some of the common symptoms of the onset of Juvenile Delinquency. Take our short quiz to see how your child measures up.

More Information...

• Parents Beware: Teens Not Immune to Domestic Violence, Relationship Abuse

  Regardless of how good a parent you are, or how close your family is, this doesn't mean that your teen is immune from the effects of relationship violence. Relationship-based abuse happens to good kids, smart kids and strong kids -- and though you'd rather not even think about it, the harsh reality of the matter is that it can happen to your kid, too. more...

• Hookah Smoking is at Least as Bad as Cigarettes

  Hookahs, also known as waterpipes, are devices that have been used in various regions of the world for the past four centuries to smoke specially made tobacco. Recently, hookahs have begun to grow in popularity in the U.S., and concerns have been raised about their health effects. Though much research remains to be done, most experts agree that shisha is as dangerous as cigarette smoke. more...

• Stealing: Child's Play or Sign of a Serious Problem?

  It may be as innocent as a candy bar or pack of gum - or it could be as serious as taking money from friends or family or stealing a car. How is a parent to know whether stealing is normal childhood limit-testing or a red flag signaling a bigger problem? more...

• A History of Juvenile Boot Camps for Troubled Teens

  Once associated almost exclusively with the initial weeks of military indoctrination, the term "boot camp" has, in recent years, come to be adopted by programs that want to emphasize the rapidity and intensity of their experience. Since 1983, a number of programs have been using an intense, intimidating, and "in your face" philosophy to create a boot-camp-like experience for troubled teens and juvenile offenders. more...

• Teen Boot Camps Treat Symptoms, Not Problems

  If you're craving structure, discipline, and respect in your home, know that you can find it - but not at a teen boot camp. Wilderness programs, therapeutic boarding schools, and residential treatment centers have higher success rates and lower recidivism rates. more...

• Which Came First: Marijuana Use or Depression?

  Marijuana has adverse effects on the brain, heart, and lungs - and mounting evidence also suggests a correlation between marijuana use and depression. The question experts on all sides want answered is, which came first? Marijuana use or depression? Do depressed teens smoke pot to relieve their symptoms, or does smoking pot actually cause depression? more...