NCJ Number
172860
Date Published
September 1998
Publication Series
Annotation
Panel presentations and phone-in questions are the format of the
video conference portrayed in this video; the videoconference
features the findings of a study group of 22 researchers
commissioned by the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and
Delinquency Prevention to examine issues pertinent to the
prevalence, causes, prevention, and intervention related to
serious and violent juvenile offenders.
Abstract
The presentation is divided into three sessions, with each
followed by questions to and answers given by the panel, most of
whom were participants in the research group. Regarding risk
factors, the panel reports on research findings reviewed by the
study group. The group found that serious and violent offending
develops over a period of time, but with warning signs emerging
at an early age. The factors that influence a juvenile's violent
behavior are many and varied and are found in the dimensions of
family, community, school, and peer group. Economically and
socially deprived communities, dysfunctional and violent
families, school maladjustment, mental health problems, substance
abuse, and gang membership are all factors that cluster to foster
serious and violent juvenile behavior. The panel emphasizes the
importance of community-based, comprehensive, multidisciplinary
intervention programs that are designed to counter and remedy
identified risk factors. The second session addresses the
practical applications of research findings in prevention and
intervention efforts. Recommended intervention programs involve
interpersonal skills training, behavioral contracting, and
individual counseling. Research shows that when considering
treatment and sanctions for serious and violent juveniles, the
severity of the crime, the risk of recidivism for serious
offenses, and the individual needs of the juvenile must be
considered. The third session profiles specific community-based
programs that research has shown to be effective in achieving
their goals. The programs described include a family intervention
home-based program; a program to reduce gang violence; and the
Gateway Offenders Program, which is designed to reduce recidivism and improve social functioning among adolescents with a history of relatively modest, usually nonviolent, criminal offenses. A participant information packet is provided.
Date Published: September 1, 1998