Preventing and Reducing Juvenile Delinquency: A Comprehensive Framework

By James C. Howell

Book Overview

Created as an alternative to the punishment-oriented criminal justice system, the juvenile court is a unique American invention that has been replicated around the world. But to say that this system is without significant flaws would be misleading. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the juvenile justice system is a vital step towards improving counseling and rehabilitation programs.

Preventing and Reducing Juvenile Delinquency: A Comprehensive Framework

presents the latest research and most effective programs for understanding, preventing, and controlling juvenile delinquency. Renowned specialist in the field James C. Howell examines key myths about juvenile violence and the ability of the juvenile justice system to handle modern-day juvenile delinquents. Reviewing the history of current juvenile justice system policies and practices, Howell provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing and responding to juvenile crime.

Geared toward preparing students for a career in juvenile justice or social services, this accessible volume includes

Chapter introductions and summaries that link research studies to intervention programs Boxed studies, data sources, key definitions, and concepts Extensive real-world case studies and illustrations Comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art research and programs Developmental theories of juvenile delinquency Advanced juvenile justice system management tools Effective prevention and rehabilitation programs

Preventing and Reducing Juvenile Delinquency

explores the world of chronic, violent juvenile offenders and gang involvement. Evaluating the current "moral panic" over juvenile delinquency, the author offers an effective program delivery system that empowers individual practitioners and communities.

Intended as a supplementary text for undergraduate and graduate courses in juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice, and violent offender intervention courses, Preventing and Reducing Juvenile Delinquency is also essential reading for juvenile justice and social services research and development specialists.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761925090
• ISBN13: 9780761925095
• Release Date: February 2003
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Incorporated
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 0.8" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

A good review of the juvenile justice field

I used this book in a Juvenile Deliquency course. It is packed with important information, theoretical orientations, and Howell spends much time addressing the history of the field and JD in general. I found the book to work very welll for the more professional orientated students in the class. For example, I had a couple of police officers who really liked the book because it addressed some very practical issues they were facing every day. Other, less experienced, students were a little put off by the small print and the textbook format. The book is also a little repetitive, and the same topics are are addressed in different places in the book. Although it was published in 2003, many of the statistics are outdated which is a shame. I would love to see a revised and/ or a condensed edition.