Scientific Treatment of Juvenile Delinquency

Abstract

It is obvious that one should approach this very broad field with some feeling of trepidation, in view of the vast number of problems, the many theoretical aspects, and the divergent points of view involved. The causes of juvenile delinquency are obviously manifold. Dr. William Healy has given comprehensive insight into the subject of emotional conflict in the youthful offender. Cyril Burt in England has described the social forces operating on the who becomes delinquent. Such a is no different in his individual makeup as a rule from the ordinary child in the home, except in the case of the repeated offender who has been exposed to continued anti-social influences. In fact where social pathology surrounds the as a part of his everyday experience, his acceptance of a delinquent career is only to be expected. It is difficult, where the environment is unfavorable and a social disease obvious, for a to avoid accepting delinquent experiences as a matter of course as a part of his routine life. The youthful offender differs in those cases in which anti-social attitudes have developed as the result of lack of understanding of his problem and because of severe repressive measures forced upon the by the environment. The first delinquency, truancy, e. g., should be regarded with a degree of objectivity and with the aim that the resulting treatment involved should be constructive rather than punitive. At times it is easier to resort to punitive methods in the case of a first offender because one frequently cannot dissociate attitudes regarding a point of view which is essentially pessimistic, especially in view of a large number of cases seen at the Juvenile Court and the tremendous caseload of the average probation officer. From the mental hygiene standpoint the erring should be given the benefit of a complete study involving a determination of his physical make-up, his inter-family relationships, his social milefi, and finally the picture should be rounded out by a psychological and psychiatric examination. It is interesting to note the definite stand taken by the American Bar Association for the establishment of