The text explains the social history of children and youth in different phases of history, the development of the juvenile court, juvenile court procedures and philosophy, and significant cases such as Kent v. United States and In re Gault et al. The discussion also focuses on the definition of juvenile delinquency, juvenile status offenses, child abuse and neglect, and issues related to the developmental stages of children. Additional chapters explain search, seizure, investigation, and interrogation in relation to juveniles; case processing for delinquent youth; specific types of child abuse and neglect; and child abuse investigations and interventions. Further sections focus on crimes against children, including sex offenses, child pornography, serial homicide, and issues related to juvenile witnesses and children in the courtroom. Other sections discuss child custody hearings, child support hearings, and court proceedings regarding the termination of parental rights; sources of law regarding children; the public policy process and issues related to children; and policies toward juveniles in other countries. The final chapter focuses on elements of innovative prevention programs, with emphasis on brain research, three levels of crime and juvenile delinquency prevention, the relationship among body, mind, and emotions; psychological therapies; and educational techniques and approaches for emotional maturity. Figures, tables, glossary, subject and author indexes, appended copy of the United States Constitution and suggested list of problems that could be assigned to students to solve, and chapter reference lists