Juvenile delinquency : the relationship between mental health and crime

Abstract

Juvenile crime and delinquency have always been and will continue to be a significant aspect of the criminal justice system. Since the advent of technology, juvenile crime and delinquency have spiked significantly, and continue to evolve. Thus, there is still a lot of research to be done in this regard, especially in the area of dual diagnosis. This research addresses the issue of dual diagnosis among juvenile offenders by focussing on the relationship between mental health and crime. Furthermore, it analyses juvenile crime and delinquency and its risk factors: such as lack of attachment, school and community backgrounds and family dynamics and psychological factors. A qualitative research analysis was carried out with a number of professionals engaged in the area of juvenile crime and delinquency in order to collate information on the relationship between mental health and crime. The findings from this study corroborated the theoretical analysis with regard to risk factors for juvenile crime and delinquency and dual diagnosis evident in the international literature.