It provides statistics on officially reported and self-reported delinquency and reviews biological, psychological, and sociological theories explaining delinquency. The changing role of children in society is examined, as are specific aspects of the social environment where delinquency occurs: the gang, the family, and school. Also considered are female delinquency and child abuse and neglect. The book discusses key issues in the juvenile justice process, including the handling of status offenders and violent juvenile offenders, the police role in delinquency prevention and control, court processes, probation, institutionalization, aftercare, and community treatment. The case history of a juvenile offender from apprehension through disposition illustrates these concepts. Closing chapters describe traditional and innovative treatment techniques, evaluative research conducted to measure their effectiveness, prevention programs, and trends in delinquency control. A summary and footnotes accompany individual chapters. Tables, diagrams, and an index.