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Juvenile Delinquency: The System's Crime

NCJ Number
117599
Journal
Prosecutor Volume: 22 Issue: 4 Dated: (Spring 1989) Pages: 21-34
Author(s)
J J Foley; P Harrell
Date Published
1989
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Oklahoma City has formed an interagency effort to reduce juvenile delinquency by identifying and intervening early with youths at risk of delinquency.
Abstract
The project was initiated by Robert H. Macy, District Attorney for Oklahoma County. The source of the problem was the fragmentation and lack of networking among schools, the criminal justice system social service providers, and others with which youth and families are in contact. In addition, recent studies have shown that common characteristics of adult offenders are the lack of a high school education, illiteracy, behavioral problems at an early age, child abuse, addiction to alcohol or other drugs, low self-esteem, and limited marketable skills. Early behavioral indicators of future problems include preoccupation, depression, lack of parental support, minimal peer interaction, disruptive behavior, tardiness, truancy, absenteeism, and declining grades. Unfortunately, well-intentioned law enforcement officers, teachers, and parents try their own prevention efforts and take no constructive action regarding problem behavior. To address the problems, people in the Oklahoma City area formed the Oklahoma County Coalition of Citizens and Professionals for Youth. It has provided a forum for networking and has developed early intervention and implementation centers. Pilot programs have also been established in three communities. Another program is the deferred filing program, which presents a lecture series for parents and their children involved in misdemeanors and first-time nonviolent felony property offenses. A program for serious habitual offenders is also being established.