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theories and theorists

Each of the different fields of study is heavily influenced by theories and theorists that you have been learning about throughout your courses. You have learned about various theories of leadership such as transformational or transactional leadership, and a few of the impactful psychological theorists such as Erikson and Freud.

For this assignment, select a contemporary challenge in your field (Criminalolgy/Forensic Psychology (current within the last five or so years) and in a 2,800-word (8-page) paper, evaluate the challenge. The evaluation of the issues should include the following:

Describe the contemporary challenge.
Apply three theories to evaluate the issue.
Critically analyze the application of the theories.
Recommend a solution based on the theoretical analysis.

Utilize a minimum of 10 academic resources.

Running head: JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND THEORY APPLICATION

Juvenile Delinquency and Theory Application

Matthew Manuel Rosario

Ashford University

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1. APPLICATION

Shorten the title for the

Running head.

(Your title page should

contain a shortened version

of your title with “Running

head” in the upper left

corner and page number 1 in

the upper right corner. In the

center of the page add the

title of the paper, your name,

course name and number,

instructor name, and the

date. See your Ashford-

approved style guide for a

sample title page.) [Marion

Baird]

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND THEORY APPLICATION

Criminal justice in the United States is facing significant challenges based on an

increasing rate of criminal offending. Juvenile delinquency is a significant problem within the

United States, which creates a disproportional system that is unable to maintain a stronger

understanding of positive behavior. Juvenile delinquency has been a considerable challenge

within law enforcement. These are young individuals under 18 years who are involved in

offending. Involvement in crime presents a difficult platform where these children can lead a

positive life. The wellbeing of juveniles within the society is based on different factors that

help ensure there are stronger societal concerns that define the development in society.

Juvenile delinquency defines a difficult development among individuals within the

society, considering that most young individuals do not concentrate on their education but are

easily influenced by the existing negative behavior in society. This paper presents a detailed

understanding of juvenile delinquency and the use of routine activity theory in explaining the

development of juvenile delinquency within the community as well as develop better

strategies that can help improve the wellbeing of young individuals within the society.

The contemporary challenge

The number of individuals less than 18 years being involved in crime is increasing

significantly within the country, which provides the need to develop a proper understanding

of the underlying reasons. Child development is a structured process that emphasizes

positive behavior and the development of better counter-measures that solve any glaring

negative behavioral traits that a child might develop with. The inability to control negative

traits influence the chances of offending among young individuals. This means that a child’s

background is essential in defining a stronger approach to the existing behavioral and

psychological challenges (Matza & Sykes, 2017).

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1
2

12 13

1. JUVENILE

Running head is only on the

Title page.

[Marion

Baird]

2. criminal

Subject-verb agreement:

The subject (noun) of the

sentence should always

agree with its verb (action

word) in number and person.

Example: “The students are

(not ‘sis’s) excited about

returning to school.”

[Marion Baird]

3. behavior.

Where is the supportive

research?

[Marion Baird]

4. These

Juveniles [Marion Baird]

5. years

of age [Marion Baird]

6. offending.

committing a crime?

[Marion Baird]

7. society.

Where is the research?

[Marion Baird]

8. but

(Use a comma before

coordinating conjunctions –

for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

– to separate independent

clauses. Example: “Liz

enjoys her writing course, so

she is excited to work hard

at it.”) [Marion Baird]

9. This paper

The paper does not present

anything. The

author/researcher analyzes,

synthesizes, and

paraphrases research.

[Marion Baird]

10. better

Why is this sentence

justified? [Marion Baird]

11. challenge

(Review APA format

regarding headings.)

[Marion Baird]

12. reasons.

Research support? [Marion

Baird]

13. Child

How is this information

connected to the previous

statement? [Marion Baird]

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND THEORY APPLICATION 3

The implementation of zero tolerance to crime has been a significant policy

contributing to increased arrests among juveniles. The zero-tolerance policy was aimed at

helping understand the need to control crime by ensuring that there is a higher level of

commitment to positive level development. Juvenile offending can be considered as

normative adolescent offending, which is influenced to a more substantial extent by peers and

the environment (Unayah & Sabarisman, 2015). Crime occurs where there is a favorable

environment where there all parties are engaged. Juveniles are more likely to be associated

with nonviolent offending, although repeating offenders is associated with violent crimes.

The development of negative behavior can also be described based on the level of

attachment during infancy. Understanding positive behavior provides a greater understanding

of fundamental factors that are associated with juvenile delinquency and the development of

adverse behavioral outcomes. The development of negative behavior has been diverse, which

means that there is a need to develop a better focus on specific factors that are likely to

contribute to the current situation.

Physical aggression is a behavioral development that is associated with youth

development, which helps maintain a strong emphasis on better measures that help attain

better outcomes. According to Matza and Sykes (2017), physical aggression was highest

among children aged six years, although aggressive behavior declined into adolescence based

on the study findings. The development of these factors is based on a critical assessment of

better elements that help identify specific behavioral traits that contribute to juvenile

delinquency. The development of child behavioral wellbeing begins during infancy under

which there is a strong attachment. Attachment can be positive or negative based on how a

child is engaged (Matza & Sykes, 2017).

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1
2
3

1. development.

Where is the supportive

research? [Marion Baird]

2. crimes.

(Hasty Generalization:

Beware of jumping to

conclusions. You need

more information before you

can make this assumption.)

[Marion Baird]

3. infancy.

(Provide research –

quotations, data, etc. – to

support this assertion.)

[Marion Baird]

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND THEORY APPLICATION

According to Li et al. (2014), different perspectives provide a strong understanding of

the minimum age of criminal responsibility. Various aspects, including clinical, sociological,

developmental, and legal perspectives, which are essential to consider in maintaining better

outcomes. The age at which a child is perceived to be seen to be mature enough to stand trial

has always been a challenge. The legitimacy of the minimum age that has been adopted is

different. It provides a more significant commitment to fundamental changes that give a

stronger emphasis on critical changes that provide a strategic development where it is

possible to understand factors that increase the severity of the crime as well as essential

measures that help in creating an improved setting. Controlling criminal activities is based on

the need and commitment to ensure there are better guidelines in the society that help provide

a greater emphasis on enhanced factors that contribute to shaping the overall development

(Li, 2014).

Unaya and Sabarisman (2015) highlighted that juveniles are more likely to join

criminal gangs without assessing the underlying implications of their decision. The allure for

easy life and quickness to riches are vital factors that influence individuals, especially those

coming from poor livelihoods, to embrace crime. The study found that children as young as

six years join gangs as a result of poverty and the inability to meet their basic needs. Parents

are usually absent and unable to take care of their children. There is a need to focus on

implementing better strategies that target the development of these children, which is

essential in managing their behaviors. Empowering these juveniles is crucial in controlling

delinquency. The majority of gang members in the United States are minority groups who

mainly occupy the low-income population. The low quality of life presents a stressful

environment where it is difficult to assess and determine critical processes that help define a

strong understanding of essential processes that help attain improved outcomes (Unayah &

Sabarisman, 2015).

– 4 –

1
2
3

1. outcomes.

missing information –

incomplete sentence

[Marion Baird]

2. that

omit [Marion Baird]

3. easy life

Is being part of a gang and

easy life? [Marion Baird]

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND THEORY APPLICATION 5

Sharkey et al. (2015) sought to develop an emphasis on drug use and violent crimes

among adolescents. The results of the study showed that alcohol use was highly associated

with both violent and non-violent crimes. Criminal history and racial identity were also

identified as critical factors that are associated with increased violent crimes among

adolescents. Therefore there is a need to understand the crucial role in controlling essential

elements that help create a reliable platform in managing these factors, which contribute

identify better processes that define a strong change approach (Sharkey, Stifel, & Mayworm,

2015).

Living environment and poverty within the community have been significant factors

that are leading to increasing gang membership in the united states. Individuals who live in

poor background struggle to meet their basic needs which discourage many children from

going to school because there is no inspiration on specific elements that present a robust

approach in controlling the level of engagement. Improving the level of commitment within

society has been a significant factor that helps define a strong emphasis on better processes

that determine a successful change process (Gase, DeFosset, Kuo, & Perry, 2016).

Gangs have formed a significant part of criminal justice. The majority of these gangs

flourish in low-income settings and recruit children as members. The level of parenting in

these areas is extremely low, with less consideration of behavioral and individual

psychological wellbeing. According to Sharkey et al. (2015), the findings from the study

revealed that youth gang members were disproportionately male, black, Hispanic, and from

single-parent households. Children from families living below the poverty level were also

associated with increased youth gang membership. The results from the study also identified

that within the United States, there are approximately 1 million youth gang members, with

2% of youth averaging 14 years (Sharkey et al., 2015). Many people are getting involved in

gangs than the previous indications. The primary issue that is defined in this case is the

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1
2
3
4
5
6

1. sought to develop an

emphasis on drug use and

violent crimes among

adolescents.

I do not think this sentence

conveys your meaning.

[Marion Baird]

2. united states.

Proper nouns should be

capitalized. [Marion Baird]

3. poor background

Subject-verb agreement:
The subject (noun) of the
sentence should always
agree with its verb (action
word) in number and person.
Example: “The students are
(not ‘sis’s) excited about
returning to school.”
[Marion Baird]

4. criminal justice.

Criminal justice or crime?

[Marion Baird]

5. members.

Where is the research

support? [Marion Baird]

6. indications.

source of information?

[Marion Baird]

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND THEORY APPLICATION 6

limited emphasis on controlling gang development. High poverty levels and lack of formal

education have even identified as primary factors that are associated with gang development.

Gang involvement has become an option for these individuals. Many youths are

joining gangs without understanding the psychological challenges that are associated with

such a move. However, the difficult nature of their surrounding present a more specific

emphasis on better processes that help define reliable change processes which improve the

overall commitment to improved outcomes. Thus the authors sought to explore the

consideration that more extended involvement in street gangs is associated with violent injury

or even death among gang members (Thornton et al., 2015). Many individuals who join these

groups have lost hope in life as a result of a stronger consideration of essential elements that

provide a high level of commitment to the existing issues within society. Communities and

families, therefore, are focusing on different approaches that they can consider in

discouraging gang involvement before it starts.

It is essential to focus on maintaining a stronger level of emphasis on better changes

that help keep a proper understanding on the wellbeing of children. Involvement in crime

does not help improve behavioral development, which helps maintain an improved change

within the environment. The social environment has a crucial role in improving individual

development, which helps create a reliable system for change as well as the implementation

of better concepts that help promote an enhanced level of development. Lack of guidance

among children leaves gaps that are exploited by negative thoughts influencing an individual

behavior (Whitehead & Lab, 2013). Therefore, it is vital to help understand different

measures that can be integrated within society and understand essential measures that can be

implemented to help attain the needed outcomes.

Theories

– 6 –

1. Theories

(Review APA format
regarding headings.)
[Marion Baird]

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND THEORY APPLICATION 7

Different theories have focused on explaining the involvement in a crime. These

theories mainly focus on behavior and social environment, which makes it easier for

offenders to commit crimes. Juveniles are encouraged to commit crimes by the favorable

environment. Routine activity theory provides an adequate method that explains the

development of criminal behavior among youths. The routine activity theory highlights that

crime occurs as a result of the interaction of different factors. Crime is a combination of

negative activities within a given society. There is no specific environment in which crime

occurs but is based on the existing level of interaction among individuals from different

personalities (Andresen & Ha, 2019).

Therefore in assessing routine crime theory, three vital components need to be

effectively analyzed to define a highly successful level of engagement. The three

components include potential offenders, the absence of law enforcement officers, and the

target. All these three components operate within a preferred system which maintains a

positive level development. A situation where one of the three parts misses creates a

problematic environment for crime development (Felson, 2016).

The environment plays a central role in crime development. Maintaining a proper

system within the law makes it challenging to allow the presence of the three components of

crime to occur. Low-income individuals will be highly influenced by economic changes

considering that they would be unable to afford quality life. The decreased quality of life

among the poor has a detrimental influence on the ability to maintain a greater emphasis on

changes that help keep improved outcomes (Leukfeldt & Yar, 2016). Therefore decreased life

satisfaction increases resentment and dissent among individuals who inform negative

behavior. These individuals will focus on alternative means which they can use to sustain

their lives. One of the easy options is to commit a crime to meet their needs. Economically

influenced criminal activities have been significant, especially considering the differences in

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1
2
3
4
5

1. environment.

(Please spend some time

thinking about how the

information connects and

work on explaining it in your

writing.) [Marion Baird]

2. no

There is not a … [Marion

Baird]

3. Therefore

comma needed [Marion

Baird]

4. development.

research? [Marion Baird]

5. that

omit [Marion Baird]

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND THEORY APPLICATION 8

social status within the community. Low-class individuals are faced with different problems,

which makes it challenging to avoid crime to meet their needs.

The goal attainment theory also highlights that individual behavioral development is

based on the level of interaction within the environment. Thus, child development is a

specific process that helps understand different decisions within an organizational context.

Implementing a substantial change approach help in creating a highly successful level of

development where it would be possible to define behavioral development (House &

Mitchell, 2019). The level of policing across different settings differs, which helps maintain a

stronger focus on essential processes that help maintain a successful level of change. Law

enforcement officers are not around all the time, which creates a disorganized environment,

which makes it easier for offenders to get an environment where they can target and commit

crimes. When there are no officers within a given setting, it creates a gap that can be easily

exploited by law enforcement officers.

Therefore based on the assessment of the theory, there is a greater understanding of

gaps within the society that allow children to engage in crimes. Limited law enforcement

presents a more specific approach that helps maintain a unique level of emphasis on better

processes that help promote a successful level of engagement. Children are easily influenced,

especially when there is no better management of their personality and development. Social

relations are integral to the adoption of negative behavior within society. Human

development is a process that must be undertaken strategically to promote the integration of

successful behavioral development.

Erik Eriksen’s theory provides a focus on social engagement and individual behavioral

development. Human development occurs through different stages, which help identify

essential elements that define strong change development. Children have different levels of

– 8 –

1
2
3
4

1. needs.

(Hasty Generalization:
Beware of jumping to
conclusions. You need
more information before you
can make this assumption.)
[Marion Baird]

2. context.

How? [Marion Baird]

3. Therefore
comma needed [Marion
Baird]

4. Eriksen’s theory

source? [Marion Baird]

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND THEORY APPLICATION 9

understanding, which plays a significant role in transforming their behavior. It is crucial to

help ensure a greater emphasis on critical processes that help identify better measures that

shape individual development. Children have different levels of understanding, which plays a

crucial role in determining their overall growth (Mann, De Ridder, and Fujita, 2013).

Application of the theories

Offenders are individuals who are influenced by negative behavior and intention to

pursue the crime. Victims are always present within the society, which makes it essential to

consider the third component of a crime, which is to eliminate lawlessness. Disorganized

societies have very little law enforcement because of the gangs and criminal activities within

these areas. It is upon the criminal justice to map these areas so that it would be easier to

achieve the intended outcomes. Victims always have something that is of importance to

criminals. Therefore controlling the underlying link between crime and environment creates a

reliable system where it is easier to manage gas within the society.

Juveniles are young individuals who make decisions without putting much thought

into their actions, which in turn creates significant issues limiting the overall understanding of

fundamental changes, which provide a strong focus on better individuals results. This means

that juveniles are more likely to become law-abiding citizens as they mature, and thus, they

are less likely to be given long prison sentences compared to adults. Juvenile offenders are

considered offenders who can quickly transform. Therefore, they are not treated as hardcore

criminals, but there is a significant focus on rehabilitation rather than punitive aspects in

managing their needs. However, there are substantial risks for juvenile offenders if they are

tried as adults (Whitehead & Lab, 2013).

Controlling crime among juveniles requires a stranger approach, which helps maintain

a stronger system, which is essential in embracing strong change development. Maintaining a

– 9 –

1. theories

(Review APA format
regarding headings.)
[Marion Baird]

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND THEORY APPLICATION 10

substantial platform help in creating a secure change process considering the need to maintain

a highly effective system and change development. Improving the behavior of children forms

the basis of attaining highly effective methods within an organizational context. Children who

engage in crime are influenced by negative traits and practice, which is difficult to help in

creating a positive environment for an improved level of change. This means that the basis of

improving child behavior is parenting and embracing education.

Best solution

Parenting focuses on guiding a child’s psychological, emotional, and physical

wellbeing, which maintain a positive change context within society. Different parents

embrace different parenting approaches. However, positive parenting identifies essential

factors that help in maintaining a stronger focus on improved commitment to a positive life.

Different social settings help keep a highly integrated system where it would be possible to

define a successful change process. Children are highly susceptible because of weak mental

strength. This means that such individuals need guidance. The juvenile justice system should

not focus on punishing offenders only but also embrace the rehabilitation and development of

improved concepts involving behavioral development (Sharkey, Stifel, and Mayworm, 2015).

The relationship between a child and his or her parents is invaluable, which is

adequately explained based on infant attachment. Infant attachment presents a firm

understanding of child development, which offers a transparent approach in helping

understand different elements that need to be assessed in determining better outcomes.

Relationships that are formed during infancy are crucial in defining a stronger influence on

child behavioral and cognitive development. Relationships at a younger age are essential in

transforming a child’s mental wellbeing. Child development is necessary at the infant stage,

where they learn and store. Learning is a continuous process, although during childhood,

– 10 –

1. wellbeing.

Where is the research?
[Marion Baird]

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND THEORY APPLICATION 11

there are diverse concepts leaned based on the parenting style that is adopted (Sharkey, Stifel,

and Mayworm, 2015). Having control over what a child learns plays an integral role in

creating a harmonious environment where it is possible to maintain a more significant

commitment to underlying outcomes.

Ensuring that children attend school and gather skills that can boost their development

within society is also a significant way in controlling juvenile delinquency. Quality education

is developed founded on the underlying systems and philosophies which focus on guiding

education curriculums designed across different settings. The ability to empower learners and

ensure that they adopt critical learning skills is implemented with a focus on major

educational philosophies that guide education development. Education policies are grounded,

significant values, beliefs, and principles that guide student development. Different cultural

settings focus on different concepts, which are essential in modifying the quality of education

as well as education philosophies adopted (Castellanos, 2013).

Therefore, in conclusion, juvenile delinquency is a significant challenge within

society. However, the problem can be easily solved through controlling of the vital

components that define crime, as explained by routine activity crime theory. The significant

elements that are identified in this case include offender, victim, and a conducive

environment without law enforcement officers. Controlling juvenile offending is mainly

determined based on the use of improving behavioral management through parenting and

emphasizing education as essential methods to ensure that children can develop into law-

abiding citizens who are the future. Promoting the future of law-abiding citizens starts with

understanding better processes that help identify critical processes that define positive change

within the community.

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[no notes on this page]

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND THEORY APPLICATION 12

Reference

Andresen, M. A., & Ha, O. K. (2019). Routine activity theory. In The Routledge Companion

to Criminological Theory and Concepts. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315744902-121

Castellanos, I. E. (2013). Parental and peer influence on juvenile delinquency. ProQuest

Dissertations and Theses.

Felson, M. (2016). The routine activity approach. In Environmental Criminology and Crime

Analysis: Second Edition. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315709826

Gase, L. N., DeFosset, A., Kuo, T., & Perry, R. (2016). Youths’ perspectives on the reasons

underlying school truancy and opportunities to improve school attendance. Qualitative

Report.

House, R. J., & Mitchell, T. R. (2019). Path-Goal Theory of Leadership. In Leadership.

https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvpg85tk.25

Leukfeldt, E. R., & Yar, M. (2016). Applying Routine Activity Theory to Cybercrime: A

Theoretical and Empirical Analysis. Deviant Behavior.

https://doi.org/10.1080/01639625.2015.1012409

Li, S. D. (2014). Familial Religiosity, Family Processes, and Juvenile Delinquency in a

National Sample of Early Adolescents. Journal of Early Adolescence.

https://doi.org/10.1177/0272431613495445

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1. Reference

References page must

follow APA guidelines.

[Marion Baird]

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND THEORY APPLICATION 13

Mann, T., De Ridder, D., & Fujita, K. (2013). Self-regulation of health behavior: Social

psychological approaches to goal setting and goal striving. Health Psychology.

https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028533

Matza, D., & Sykes, G. M. (2017). Juvenile delinquency and subterranean values. In

Delinquency and Drift Revisited: The Criminology of David Matza and Beyond.

https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315157962

Sharkey, J., Stifel, S., & Mayworm, A. (2015). How to help me get out of a gang: Youth

Recommendations to Family, School, Community, and Law Enforcement System.

Journal of Juvenile Justice.

Thornton, L. C., Frick, P. J., Shulman, E. P., Ray, J. V., Steinberg, L., & Cauffman, E. (2015).

Callous-Unemotional Traits and Adolescents’ Role in Group Crime. Law and Human

Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1037/lhb0000124

Unayah, N., & Sabarisman, M. (2015). the Phenomenon of Juvenile Delinquency and

Criminality. Sosio Informa. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.22146/jpsi.6959

Whitehead, J. T., & Lab, S. P. (2013). Chapter 14 – Future Directions in Juvenile Justice. In

Juvenile Justice. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4557-7892-8.00014-7

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