Deprivation, delinquency & youth : what is the link?

Abstract

In this study, the researcher investigates the link between deprivation and delinquency by interviewing 6 professionals who work / worked in a position where they are / were directly in contact with juveniles aged 11 -16 through their work, in particular juveniles demonstrating delinquent traits. These professionals: an ex -probation officer, an ex-police officer, an ex -guidance teacher, a guidance teacher, a youth worker and a social worker all gave their professional perspective from their personal experiences as well as their personal opinions on certain matters like the law change in Malta regarding the age of criminal responsibility. Through this research projections for the future programmes for juveniles with troubled backgrounds and suggestions for the amelioration of dealing with problematic juveniles were made by the interviewed professionals. Deprivation can have more than one definition which the researcher will inquire into, to clarify which types of deprivation are more likely to lead to delinquency applying two theories from a criminological perspective.