Preventing Juvenile DelinquencyThe saying is that history often repeats itself. If this is true, then society will face the complex burden of juveniles eventually becoming adult criminals. However, if this saying is not true, then the community where juvenile delinquency exists must have the necessary tools to divert youth in the community. If we want to change the behavior of young delinquents, it is necessary to differentiate the justice system to prevent relapses of juvenile delinquency. Furthermore, understanding the causes of juvenile delinquency is an important key to its prevention. To understand the causes of juvenile delinquency it is necessary to examine the history of juvenile justice and the various approaches to preventing it. “The history of juvenile justice in the United States began during the colonial period” (Bartollas & Miller, 2008, p.5). “During this time, the family was the primary source of social control” (Bartollas & Miller, 2008, p.5). However, the juvenile justice system was developed by states due to the demographics of cities. In the 1800s, the state, seeing the growth of cities and the effect it was having on the young population, had to develop a system of youth control. States now actively practiced the concept of “parens patriae.” Initially, juvenile delinquents over the age of seven were treated and incarcerated as common criminals. Since then some of the goals that have been set for the juvenile justice system have included “youth rights”, creating a hatred among young people for prison sentences, and respect for “due process of law” has made the system harsh and hard. in some cases inhumane. The first reform shelter was built in 1824... middle of paper... Program among youths at risk of gang involvement and other forms of delinquency." Children and Schools 31.4): 239-45.Welsh, Brandon C. and David P. Farrington. (2007) “Saving Children from a Life of Crime.” Criminology and Public Policy 6.4): 871-79 (1992) “Early Childhood Intervention.” Harvard Mental Health Letter 11.3 5-8. org/esa/socdev/unyin/documents/ch07.pdf.lwv.org/jj/causes.htm www.filthylucre.com/what-causes-juvenile -delinquencywww.lawyershop.com/practice-areas/criminal.../juvenile.../preventionwww.preventdelinquency.org/ www.delinquencyprevention.org/familyimpactseminars.org/doc. asp?d=s_wifis04c03.pdfezinearticles.com/? Prevention of juvenile delinquency and identification=4374733