Abstract
This paper discusses the history of social disorganization, and then applies the theory to juvenile crime in general. It further discusses juvenile crime in the United States, and then juvenile crime as it exists in San Francisco, California. The paper then relates this information to policy changes in the juvenile criminal justice system, and makes proposals for city-wide changes.

From the Paper
"The social disorganization theory contends that urban areas are more susceptible to juvenile crime because there is a lower sense of moral values within the community (Shelley 26). In rural areas there is great attention paid to the community and a child's involvement in the organizations it supports. Furthermore, these communities ensure that the organizations created for youth have built in morals and values that support those of the family, and therefore, have a positively profound affect on youth (Shelley 26). However, in poorer urban areas organizations for youth are often not funded, and when they are, there are societal tensions that infiltrate these organizations, often splitting the boundaries of who may belong with regard to race, gender, and social status. Furthermore, urban organizations that exist are not based upon family morals that are universal to all cultures within an urban setting. "

Tags:juvenile, crime, proposal

Abstract
This paper looks at trends in juvenile crime up until 2001, based on a report by H.N. Snyder that shows an overall drop in violent juvenile crime for that period. The paper looks at the number of juveniles arrested for murder, juvenile arrests for burglary and arrests for property index crimes.

From the Paper
"A significant increase in juvenile violent crime arrests occurred beginning in the late ...s and peaking in ... but by the ... the rate of arrests of juveniles for violent crimes had dropped for the seventh consecutive year. (Snyder) Arrests of juveniles for the FBI Violent Crime Index offenses which includes murder, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault, declined steadily during this period across the nation. The juvenile Violent Crime Index arrest rate in ... was the lowest since having fallen ... percent and the juvenile arrest rate for murder fell by..."

Tags:juvenile crime trends, murder, burglary, arrests

Abstract
This paper analyzes the V-Chip technology from a public policy point of view, with focus on its impact on juvenile crime. The paper opens by describing how juvenile crime is on the rise and how many feel there is a link between television violence and juvenile crime. The author then discusses how and why the V-Chip was developed as part of a public policy allowing parents to control access to television programs by their children. The paper then shifts to an evaluation of the technology, why it hasn't been successful, and why it's not a good public policy to be mandated by the government. The author closes by offering some suggestions as to how juvenile crime can be reduced by treating the underlying causes.

Tags:v, chip, crime

Abstract
This paper consists of two essays, the first on the arguments for and against keeping the juvenile justice system, and the second on the effects of religion and family on juvenile crime. The first essay looks at how juveniles might be treated in adult courts.

From the Paper
"Several recommendations have been made for changes in the juvenile courts without abolishing them altogether. Juveniles are protected by International Law from execution and it has become jus cogens ..."

Tags:juvenile justice system, religion, family

Abstract
This piece is a overview of the impact of the media on juvenile crime. The author looks at the problem by focusing on the ethical implications involved. The author begins by describing how many analysts believe there is a link between the media and the rising amount of juvenile violence in America. The author analyzes the reasoning behind those who believe the media has an ethical obligation to restrict amounts of "offensive' material. The author then takes a critical stance, pointing out that no criminal act has ever been linked to the media and that censorship is not a viable option because it would not solve the underlying issues. The author then argues, from a law enforcement perspective, that parents need to better prepare their children to handle the influence of the media. Situations in which children are abused, neglected, and economically displaced are also a key cause of juvenile crime and need to be addressed.

Abstract
Desperate for anything that might lower the high rate of juvenile crime in the United States, researchers have begun examining the link between self-esteem education and juvenile crime rates. This paper shows how many schools have turned to self-esteem theory, which professes that teaching children to feel good about themselves will help them make moral decisions, which, in turn, can keep them from crime. The paper examines several programs, such as STARS and Project HYDRA, and explores their effectiveness.

From the Paper
"As early as 1975, research began to emerge as to the link between self-esteem and crime. Howard Kaplan (1975) conducted extensive research into the causes of violence, in a study of 7th graders, and concluded that self-esteem is a main factor in crime and violence (Kaplan, 1975). A study by Thomas Kelley in 1978 reported a direct correlation between juvenile crime and low self-esteem. Kelly found evidence of a link between increased self-esteem and a reduction of delinquent behavior. He found that if programs were implemented to raise self-esteem, the incidence of juvenile crime was reduced (Kelly, 1978)."

Tags:amer-i-can, vandalism, homocide

Abstract
The first part of this paper examines arguments for emphasizing punishment as a deterrent to crime. It looks at the success of this approach and discusses the implications of such an approach to the social work profession. The next part then looks at rehabilitation as a way of curbing juvenile crime. The paper argues that this approach creates more involvement for social workers, since various programs created to address the problem of at risk and delinquent youths. Because such problems are largely the result of socio-economic factors, the only effective way to address the problems of at risk youth and to stem youth delinquency is through programs that address these combined factors as a whole. In the conclusion the paper argues for a greater focus on this second approach, as a long-term solution towards curbing juvenile delinquency and crime.

Introduction
Punishment
An Argument for Rehabilitation
The Role of Social Workers
Works Cited

From the Paper
"The best solutions to the issue of youth delinquency are pro-active ones that address the problems before they escalate to criminal behavior. Towards this, community organizations could hold parenting classes to teach young parents the importance of caring attachments with their young children. This is particularly important for young single mothers, who could easily be overwhelmed by the responsibilities of providing for a young child.
In conclusion, the increase in the number of at risk youth stems from a convergence of socio-economic factors. The only effective solutions therefore involve concerted effort of parents, families, schools and the community at large. It is in this respect that social workers can make an immense contribution."

Tags:rehabilitation, punishment, delinquent

Abstract
This paper examines two differing attitudes towards deterring juvenile crime in Florida: The state agency that deals with juvenile offenders, and Janet Reno, ex-Attorney General of the United States. The state agencies wish to protect the public at all costs by minimizing youth crime, but not to work on the problem of the youth itself. It explains how this differs form Janet Reno who advocates focusing on youth at risk, in particular devising educational settings where troubled youth can receive counseling and have an opportunity to rekindle an interest in learning.

From the Paper
"The public has a strong interest in how juvenile offenders are handled, because some juveniles have committed horrific crimes. For example, in 2004 Robert Acuna, then 17 years old, was convicted of executing two elderly neighbors "execution style." He then stole their car. The jurors had to consider whether there were any factors, such as his young age, that should argue for any kind of leniency (Liptak, 2005). However, court observers noted that his courtroom behavior may have worked against him. The prosecutor, Renee Magee, described him as "nonchalant" and laughing at inappropriate times. She said, "He still didn't quite get the magnitude of everything he did." (Liptak, 2005)"

Tags:child, education, public

Abstract
This paper analyzes data and figures that relate to female juvenile crime in order to assess the current trends of this phenomenon. It notes that there was an increase in female crime, but male crime remained stagnant. It also looks at the types of crime and explains that violent crime was also on the increase.

From the Paper
"Much has been made of how the media practically compels women to think of themselves as objects. If a girl is not beautiful and successful in the ways depicted in advertising and few are then she would have to have the inner strength obtained by having adequate family and organizational/institutional support. So, one can posit one reason as the media and advertising images girls have to contend with, and at just that pubescent period of their lives when they are probably feeling a little lost in various ways in any case."

Tags:violence, murder, sex, robbery, assault

Abstract
This paper looks at how to reduce juvenile crime through community-based involvement strategies. The paper begins by discussing the first stage of prevention and the need for after-school programs uniquely tailored to the demographic needs of the community. The paper then explains the second stage of reducing recidivism through family involvement and therapy-based programs and the third stage of treating juveniles already incarcerated. The paper emphasizes that the system must treat offenders as individuals and provide incentives for youths to choose a path other than the easy, short-term rewards of a life of crime.

Outline:
Step 1: Prevention
Step 2: Reducing Recidivism
Step 3: Treatment for Juveniles Already in 'the System'

From the Paper
"As with so many things in life, when it comes to preventing juvenile crime, an 'ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' In other words, the ideal method of containing juvenile crime is to make a life of crime less attractive to potential young offenders. This is important not simply to reduce rates of criminality amongst the most vulnerable population of our society, but also to reduce crime later on, as youthful criminals are likely to become more hardened, career criminals after they age out of the juvenile justice system. Most chronic juvenile offenders are under the age of 15 when they commit their first offense (Sprague 2003:5)."

Tags:prevention, recidivism, treatment, therapy