Juveniles committing crimes, being arrested and going to jails and prisons, is a sad fact that has hit every city, in every state in the United States of America. It is not a hard thing to comprehend, turn on the TV and watch the news. Every night there is surely to be a report about a crime committed by one of America’s youth. Many people question the reason for such high numbers of juveniles committing crimes; others turn a blind eye and refuse to acknowledge the fact that every day more children of this country are slipping into the life of crime. Some concerned members of society ask what can be done to stop it; how can they help? The answer is action! Law enforcement, as well as Local, State, and Federal Government programs must be formed to address and take action to help combat this dilemma. Many programs in cities and states across the country have already been established, programs which address diversions, intervention, and prevention of juvenile crime. This paper will discuss two of these programs in the state of Florida, and address why the programs should help in the reduction of juvenile crime based on an analysis of the relationship between program premise and goals, as well as several major causes of juvenile delinquent behavior.
Juvenile Crime Statistics
As strange as it may sound, and as hard as it is to believe juvenile crimes in America are on the decline. For example the numbers of juvenile arrests for forcible rape were at their lowest reported numbers in 2009 since 1980. However between 2000 and 2009, the number of female juvenile arrests increased 9%, while male arrests declined by 25%. Vehicle thefts committed by juveniles between those same years, decreased by 61%. Of all states in the union, Florida, California, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Louisiana reported the highest arrest numbers of juveniles in 2009. To try and combat these numbers, 44 states and the District of Columbia passed laws that treat