The objective of the book is to analyze the social shaping forces operating during adolescence which result in adults who are, or are not, emotionally integrated and lawabiding. The great power of the family to create or destroy its children in their adjustment to life will be given particular recognition. The text takes the medical perspective of delinquency, that is, that the officer, probationer, and others involved in juvenile justice should offer a therapeutic approach toward saving the youthful offender. Some of the specific topics discussed here include AIDS, the family, public schools, peer groups, sexual relations,juvenile violence, substance abuse, punishment as a social objective, and handguns. 45 references