Delinquency

Lack of self-esteem, gaps in care for children and the precarious financial situation that many families live with often corresponds to the emergence of adjustment problems - emotional social, school - related to delinquency.

A large proportion of juvenile crime takes place at school. This is because this is where teenagers spend a significant amount of their time.

However, there are several differences noted compared to juvenile crime related to street gangs, which seems to take place more in public places and in the subway.

The phenomenon of street gangs is often associated with youth and a number of studies have shown that belonging to a gang increases the frequency of criminal acts. As well, street gangs may be a source of insecurity for the overall population, but also for the many young people who feel their presence and experience the insecurity.

Co-delinquency, which means to repeatedly commit a crime is a special characteristic of juvenile delinquency. In fact, our data show that co-delinquency declines with age. 

Prevention

 

Protective factors against delinquency

Personal characteristics

Intellectual and interpersonal abilities

Self esteem

Personal responsibility

Positive social skills

Group of friends

Groups of positive friends

Interaction with friends with positive social skills

School

Success at school

Extracurricular activities

Family

Effective family management practices

Strong family relationships

Family support

Stability at home

Community

Presence of community organizations

Strong cultural identity

Social harmony

Taken from: Société de criminologie du Québec (2009)