- As per law, a juvenile is any individual below the age of 18.
Here I would like to introduce a new term named as JUVENILE DELINQUENCY which refers to the antisocial or criminal activity of the child which violates the law which can also be said as Juvenile Crimes.
Some facts to understand the seriousness of the topic
There has been a 7.2% rise in juvenile crimes between 2015-16. Maximum number of cases under crime against children were reported in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
Another, alarming fact is that, more than 50% of all crimes committed by juveniles were against women and such crimes rose 92% all-India between 2012 and 2014.
Now let’s see few reasons behind Juvenile Crimes
Poverty: This is one of the major reasons for juvenile delinquency. Juveniles indulge themselves in delinquent acts in order to meet and satisfy the primary wants of their life.
Family: Families of delinquents are characterized by discords, desertions and other problems, which directly impacts the mental status of the juvenile and motivates him or her for such acts of delinquency.
Neighborhood: The immediate environment of a child also affects his personality. Juvenile delinquents largely belong to areas of poor living conditions or slum areas.
Mental Health: Various mental health factors contribute to juvenile delinquency. For example: Conduct disorder.
Virtual world: Constant exposure to aggression – verbal and physical on television news, videos and games also contributes to increasing juvenile delinquency.
Now let’s look into some Issues and Challenges with Juvenile Justice in India
1. Term of sentence : There is no logical or scientific reason which shows that total and complete rehabilitation can be achieved by a child in conflict with the law within a maximum period of three years.
2. Post completion of term and aftercare: Absolute lack of implementation of the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act after a juvenile completes his sentence is a major concern.
3. Juveniles in Adult jails: National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), a number of probable juveniles are found in adult jails. Further, the police subvert the guidelines of JJ Act and lodge juveniles into adult jails.
Now let’s see what could be done
Child guidance clinics should be established in order to give appropriate treatment to the disturbed and mal-adjusted children.
Social environment should be improved.
Enacted legislation to be implemented in a better manner.
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