This interdisciplinary volume provides a wide-ranging overview of the causes of criminal behaviour in children and adolescents.

Following a literary and historical introduction, the contributors to this volume explore the theory and social policy that have shaped society′s responses to young people in trouble. They then examine a number of key current issues, including: how families, peers, schools and the community influence delinquent behaviour; the role of substance abuse; the influence of television on violent behaviour; the nature and treatment of violent behaviour in adolescents; youth gangs; and effective community-based approaches for treating juvenile offenders.

The issue if criminal behavior among our youth is deeply troubling to Americans. There appears to be a profound depression among growing numbers of youth that life (either theirs or someone elseÆs) has any value. A distinguished group of scholars addresses these issues and evaluates solutions from the perspectives and research offered by each of their disciplines. Delinquent Violent Youth opens with a literary and historical overview of crime amongst rural and urban youth, followed by a chapter that explores the theoretical and social policy thinking that grew from these traditions and shaped societyÆs responses to youth in trouble. Next, the book reviews the vast literature concerning how families, peers, schools, and the community influence delinquent behavior. Subsequent chapters explore the role substances play in delinquent behavior; the influence television has on violent behavior in childhood and adolescence; the nature and treatment of violent behavior in adolescents and the implications for treatment; a developmental perspective of youth gangs; effective community-based approaches for treating juvenile offenders; effective interventions for incarcerated youth; and, the promotion of juvenile rightency. For graduate students, program directors, and clinicians who want to increase their knowledge of violent delinquent behavior, Delinquent Violent Youth offers a solid overview and guidance in the selection of approaches that work for intervening with violent youth.