Youth violence and delinquency : monsters and myths /

The US media has crafted and sustained a violent youth image creating public fear and in turn leading forcefully to a juvenile punishment policy. Two nationally recognized scholars have assessed diverse knowledge focusing on key questions linked to youth, violence, and juvenile justice. Thirty-four chapters in three volumes by recognized scholars doing relevant research address questions, identify issues, provide documented answers, and engage readers in topics missing in media coverage.The editors open with a discussion on public knowledge sources on crime and delinquency and articulate major themes in the public domain. Volume 1 compares public images with evidence on the prevalence/incidence of acts, child abuse, gangs, sexual acts, and chemical use/abuse. Volume 2 details the origins of US juvenile justice and past societal changes crafting its operation. Early chapters provide the necessary background and issues to formulate an understanding of the foundation for processing youth in juvenile courts, and point to factors fostering the adoption of punishment disposition. Subsequent chapters describe current intervention treatment modalities (e.g. restorative justice, probation, and faith-based programs), giving critical operational insights/outcomes. Volume 3 reports the successes and failures in juvenile justice treatment programs. Opening chapters embrace a program evaluation approach, enabling the construction of a list of effective interventions into juvenile acts. Remaining chapters describe processing in public versus private correctional programs/facilities, the future of the juvenile court as a treatment court, estimates of upcoming numbers of youth, referrals for misbehavior, and demand for correctional space and facilities to hold delinquents.Each volume makes an important contribution to understanding youth violence and delinquency, and interconnections between the volumes make a powerful impact. Clearly connected with recent juvenile justice publications, and featuring an exceptionally documented bibliography, this set is a must read for community members and professionals seeking to be leaders in juvenile justice. Summing Up: Essential. All levels/libraries. J. H. Larson emeritus, University of North Dakota