From risk to resilience: Understanding and mitigating juvenile delinquency.

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency is a significant global issue that impacts individuals, families, and communities, necessitating an understanding of its underlying causes for effective intervention. This study aims to identify the demographic, educational, familial, and social factors contributing to juvenile delinquency among adolescents in Turkey, with the goal of informing comprehensive prevention and rehabilitation strategies. A prospective, interview-based study was conducted involving 225 adolescents aged 12-15 years who were referred for mental evaluation due to criminal activities. Data were collected through structured interviews by forensic medicine specialists, covering aspects such as the type of crime, educational status, family structure, prior criminal behaviors, substance use, and mental maturity examination results. The findings reveal a significant gender disparity in delinquent behaviors, with males predominantly involved in theft, physical assault, and drug trafficking, while females were more engaged in theft and drug use. Lower educational attainment was strongly linked to higher rates of delinquency, underscoring the need for improved educational support and vocational training as preventive measures. Family dynamics also played a crucial role, with children from single-parent families or those with poor parental supervision being more prone to criminal activities. Additionally, a significant association was found between the criminal history of parents and the likelihood of juveniles committing crimes, highlighting the importance of comprehensive family support programs. Substance use, particularly smoking and drug addiction, was associated with higher rates of theft, drug trafficking, and physical assault, indicating the necessity of psychological support and substance abuse treatment in addressing juvenile delinquency. The study emphasizes the importance of rehabilitative measures, including family support, education, vocational training, psychosocial support, and community involvement, to reduce offending tendencies and facilitate the reintegration of juveniles into society. This study highlights the complex interplay of factors influencing juvenile delinquency and advocates for targeted, multifaceted interventions to promote the well-being and rehabilitation of young offenders.