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Juvenile Delinquency as Reflected by Offenders of the Borstal Institute of Cameroon

NCJ Number
162622
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1995) Pages: 257-268
Author(s)
C M Ade
Date Published
1995
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article profiles juvenile offenders institutionalized in the Borstal Reformatory School of the Republic of Cameroon, West Africa, in an attempt to discern the involvement of youth in delinquent activities within the framework of traditional theories of delinquency.
Abstract
The study determines what types of offenses are being committed by youths in Cameroon, why they are being committed, and what measures are being taken to correct offending youths as well as deter potential young offenders. Some policy directives are included. Theories of delinquency applicable to Cameroon include urbanization, which is accompanied by the breakup of families and the disintegration of traditional social control mechanisms; and differential association, which results in law-abiding children learning abnormal behavior from peers and others. The article includes the history and legal standing of the Borstal Institute, and placement in the Institute and parental responsibility. In addition, the following data are presented for the Borstal youths: family backgrounds; education; criminal involvement; religious affiliation; and ethnic background. Policy directives concern improving physical security at facilities housing law-breakers, legal redress, and establishment of juvenile detention centers. References, appendix