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Juvenile Delinquency-Scenario in Mauritius

NCJ Number
205780
Journal
Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: January-June 2003 Pages: 1-6
Author(s)
Arun Kumar Agnihotri M.D.
Date Published
January 2003
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper briefly discusses the risk factors associated with juvenile delinquency in Mauritius, as well as prevention and intervention efforts.
Abstract
Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is just off the southeast coast of Africa. In 2000, juveniles in Mauritius were responsible for only 79 percent of the total crimes reported. Juvenile delinquency within Mauritius has been related mostly to traffic contravention followed by larceny. In 1999 and 2000, reduction in the total crime for Mauritius was mainly due to a noticeable decrease in traffic contravention. However, property damage and sexual assault cases increased. This paper begins with a discussion on the risk factors and behaviors associated with juvenile delinquency in Mauritius which are classified into six major categories: individual, family, school/academic, peer-related, community and neighborhood, and situational. The paper concludes with an examination of prevention and intervention efforts which should be theory based, multi-component, and multi-system. It was felt that emphasis should be based on empirically supported programs that have identified key malleable risk factors in children, family, schools, and neighborhoods specially drug abuse, delinquency, and violence. Research suggests that the most effective interventions are in a child’s early years which in turn suggests targeting preschool and primary grade children aged 0-8 years old. References