Role of Family in Preventing Juvenile Delinquency

Juvenile delinquency is the behavior of minors (under 18) who engage in illegal activities or behaviors considered disruptive or dangerous. These behaviors may include theft, vandalism, assault, drug use, or heinous offenses like rape and murder. The lawmaking bodies of India have since long formulated special legislation for children, culminating in the current juvenile justice system. The current juvenile system is to protect:

1. Children in Need of Care and Protection

2. Children in Conflict with the Law

These are the Children in JJ Act 2015. The Juvenile Justice Act 2015, along with its latest amendments of 2021, aim to protect children and provide them with a safe environment that supports their overall positive growth. But it is not the duty of only the lawmaking bodies and govt—agencies to see if the children are protected in all aspects like biological, psychological, financial, and emotional. 

The truth is it is the close family where the child is born and raised that has a significant role in protecting them and keeping them away from the path of delinquency. 

Juvenile delinquency is a complex issue, and many factors can contribute to it, such as poverty, family dysfunction, peer pressure, substance abuse, and mental health problems. Let us see the family's pivotal role in raising a happy, healthy generation far from the delinquency world.

What is a Dysfunctional Family?

A dysfunctional family is a family unit in which the relationships between family members are characterized by conflict, instability, and unhealthy behavior patterns. Dysfunctional family members, especially children, often feel unsupported or neglected and struggle with substance abuse, mental health problems, or social isolation. The quality of the bond with the family starts deteriorating in dysfunctional families. This, in some cases, takes the children often to the point of hopelessness, and they may end up going on the path of crime. 

A variety of factors in dysfunctional families can contribute to juvenile delinquency. Some of these factors include

A. Lack of parental supervision and involvement

Children who grow up in dysfunctional families with poor parenting skills may not receive enough attention or guidance from their parents, which can lead to feelings of neglect and a lack of boundaries. Children may be likelier to engage in risky behaviors without clear rules and consequences.

B. Domestic violence

Exposure to domestic violence can significantly impact a child's mental health and behavior. It gets all the worse when children are also involved in domestic violence. It causes severe emotional damage to Children who witness or experience violence at home and may be more likely to become aggressive or engage in delinquent behavior.

C. Substance Abuse

Substance abuse by one or more family members can contribute to a dysfunctional family dynamic and lead to a lack of stability and support for children. Children may also be more likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol themselves.

D. Poverty and economic instability

Families who struggle with poverty and financial instability may experience stress and strain that can contribute to conflict and dysfunction. Children who grow up in these circumstances may be more likely to engage in delinquent behavior to cope with their events. 

E. Mental health issues

Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma can affect parents and children in dysfunctional families, leading to a lack of stability and support. Children not receiving adequate mental health care may be more likely to engage in delinquent behavior.

It is important to note that while these factors can contribute to juvenile delinquency, they do not guarantee that a child will engage in delinquent behavior. Many children who grow up in dysfunctional families can overcome these challenges and lead healthy, productive lives.

Positive Role Of Families To Prevent Juvenile Delinquent Behavior

Family is the first social unit that is introduced to the child. Every parent's child is their most precious wealth when they are born. But the real wealth that the parents can give their children is understanding and ensuring a friendly atmosphere, especially until their brain is fully developed.

Scientifically proven, the prefrontal cortex fully develops in a person's mid-20s. As a result, adolescents, especially young boys, may engage in risky behavior that can lead to adverse outcomes, such as drug use, reckless driving, or criminal activity. Parents and immediate family need to provide guidance and support to help adolescents make good decisions and avoid dangerous behavior.

The prefrontal cortex, located in the brain's frontal lobe, is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, impulse control, and risk assessment. It is still developing during adolescence, making adolescents more impulsive and prone to taking risks without fully considering the potential consequences of their behavior. 

The families must do the following to take care of the emotional, physiological, social and intellectual aspects to ensure they have the prudence and moral understanding of right and wrong. 

1. Try to provide a stable and supportive home environment

Children who grow up in stable, supportive homes are less likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Parents can provide this stability by being involved in their children's lives, setting clear expectations and boundaries, and creating a positive family environment.

2. Model positive behavior

Children imitate what they see. Thus parents and other family members should demonstrate responsible behavior and decision-making. When children see positive examples of behavior, they are more likely to emulate those behaviors themselves.

3. Open & Honest Communication

A safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable expressing their feelings and concerns is a mandate for the children. It goes a long way to avoid committing delinquent behavior. 

4. Monitor Children's Activities

Parents should be aware of their children's activities and watch for signs of delinquent behavior. Parents can help prevent delinquent behavior from becoming a pattern by proactively addressing potential problems early on.

5. Seek help 

If a child engages in delinquent behavior, parents must seek help and support. It may include talking to a counselor, seeking therapy, or enrolling the child in a youth program that promotes positive behavior.

The Positive Gist:

It's important to note that dysfunctional families can still have positive aspects and relationships, and not all families can function perfectly all the time. However, when dysfunctional patterns become entrenched and begin to hurt the well-being of family members, it may be necessary to seek outside support and help to address underlying issues.

Not all minors who engage in illegal or problematic behaviors are considered "delinquent," and the justice system often takes a more rehabilitative approach when dealing with juvenile offenders. The goal is to help young people learn from their mistakes, address underlying issues, and make positive changes to avoid future criminal behavior.

Author : Rohini Nijhawan

B.com,

MBA,

LLB,

LLM, Pursuing Ph.D. in Law