Introduction To Juvenile Delinquency

Understand the development of delinquency and how life events and social conditions contribute to delinquency

What you'll learn
Issues that face the juvenile justice system and the social work professionals that work within this system.
Understand what constitutes delinquent behavior.
Risk factors associated with juvenile delinquency.
Gender differences in delinquents.
The effects of juvenile delinquency.
The mechanisms that contribute to delinquency.
Theories that help professionals understand the development of delinquency within the context of individuals, families and communities.
Requirements
N/A
Description
This course will provide students with an introduction and overview of Juvenile Delinquency. Beginning with a definition of juvenile delinquency, this course will provide a brief examination of those factors that distinguish delinquent behavior within a common culture, social and economical class, as well as family background.Students will be introduced to the criteria for defining what constitutes "delinquent behavior" in research, how society responds to it, and the gender differences that have attempted to explain delinquent acts. Similarly, we will explore the effects of juvenile delinquency on the delinquent’s family, victim, community and society in general. Students will be provided with a basic understanding of the risk factors associated with  juvenile delinquency and challenge them to consider whether early intervention and prevention programs are effective.

Who this course is for:
Students who are interested in pursuing a career in juvenile justice and for those who simply want to learn more about juvenile delinquency.,Students who intend to work with at-risk youth in community organizations, juvenile courts, group homes, and/or youth programs for high risk youth.