Learning Objectives

  1. Describe how the data on juvenile crime and victimization are collected, as well as its strengths and limitations in discerning an accurate profile of youthful offending.
  2. Investigate national data collection sources and understand how the law enforcement agencies and juvenile courts are responsible for accurate data collection outcomes.
  3. Identify and summarize the current epidemiology of juvenile crime, status offenses, and offending victimizations across the United States.
  4. Explain how delinquency is measured, its sources, and what limitations there are in the reporting process.
  5. Understand the differences among type of crimes, including how some young people are both more at risk and disproportionately involved in the juvenile justice system.