Juvenile delinquency refers to delinquent and criminal behaviors among young people as they negotiate the transition from childhood to adulthood in an increasingly complex and confusing world. Although the issue of juvenile delinquency is an age old problem, it seems that the juvenile of the past does not compare with the juvenile of the present. The antisocial behavior often associated with today’s juvenile delinquents include serious forms of burglary, strong arm robbery, activity related to gangs, sexual assault, drug and alcohol abuse, and arson, to mention a few. One of the most common types of work performed by correctional counselor is treating juveniles who have been found to be delinquent (Hanser and Mire, 2011). Even though counseling
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“Alcohol and drugs have blown away the topsoil of family life and reshaped the landscape of child abuse and neglect in America” (Zilney, 2011, p.197). Parental, adult caretakers and even siblings’ substance abuse has been shown to increase occurrences of child abuse and neglect. Even the abuse of legal drugs can have negative effects on juveniles (Hanser et al, 2011). Take for example, the abuse of alcohol. Even though alcohol is legal if not consumed appropriately, alcohol can influence the juvenile’s home with increase of violence in domestic violence. Additionally, juveniles with alcoholic parents tend to grow up faster and take on the role of the parents, taking care of the home. The juvenile is now “parentified” (Hanser et al, 2011, p.227) and begins to neglect school work. Furthermore, substance abuse in the family which is chronic and routine results in the lack of stability for the family. The absence of either one or both parents harms the relationship between parents and family. The key point is that families suffering from substance abuse have the tendency to be chaotic and unstable. Homes which are unstable and chaotic can trigger delinquency and other serious forms of criminal activity (Hanser et al, …show more content…
First, correctional counselors should understand the series of symptoms of post –traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to prior childhood abuse. These symptoms can include intense fear, helplessness, or horror (Hanser et al, 2011). Additionally, the victim can psychologically relive the disturbing event while displaying symptoms of anxiety. Difficulty in falling asleep and continuous nightmare are common of victims who have PTSD (Hanser et al, 2011). Second, the counselor should understand signs of depression. Depression is the emotion of being dejected and not interested in any type of commitment (Hanser et al, 2011). A victim of depression will display a deflated sense of self, listlessness, low initiative, and other signs of unhappiness (Hanser et al, 2011). Depression can be considered also as mood disorder that includes major depressive, bipolar, and dystymic disorders (Hanser et al, 2011). Third and one of the most difficult to work with is suicidal ideations. Of note, in the United States, suicide is the third leading cause of death in juveniles. Individuals with suicidal thoughts have feelings of depression and, in a few cases, a sense of grief (Hanser et al, 2011). Most important in the cases of suicidal ideations, intervention needs to start as soon as the counselor perceives
“Alcohol and drugs have blown away the topsoil of family life and reshaped the landscape of child abuse and neglect in America” (Zilney, 2011, p.197). Parental, adult caretakers and even siblings’ substance abuse has been shown to increase occurrences of child abuse and neglect. Even the abuse of legal drugs can have negative effects on juveniles (Hanser et al, 2011). Take for example, the abuse of alcohol. Even though alcohol is legal if not consumed appropriately, alcohol can influence the juvenile’s home with increase of violence in domestic violence. Additionally, juveniles with alcoholic parents tend to grow up faster and take on the role of the parents, taking care of the home. The juvenile is now “parentified” (Hanser et al, 2011, p.227) and begins to neglect school work. Furthermore, substance abuse in the family which is chronic and routine results in the lack of stability for the family. The absence of either one or both parents harms the relationship between parents and family. The key point is that families suffering from substance abuse have the tendency to be chaotic and unstable. Homes which are unstable and chaotic can trigger delinquency and other serious forms of criminal activity (Hanser et al, …show more content…
First, correctional counselors should understand the series of symptoms of post –traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to prior childhood abuse. These symptoms can include intense fear, helplessness, or horror (Hanser et al, 2011). Additionally, the victim can psychologically relive the disturbing event while displaying symptoms of anxiety. Difficulty in falling asleep and continuous nightmare are common of victims who have PTSD (Hanser et al, 2011). Second, the counselor should understand signs of depression. Depression is the emotion of being dejected and not interested in any type of commitment (Hanser et al, 2011). A victim of depression will display a deflated sense of self, listlessness, low initiative, and other signs of unhappiness (Hanser et al, 2011). Depression can be considered also as mood disorder that includes major depressive, bipolar, and dystymic disorders (Hanser et al, 2011). Third and one of the most difficult to work with is suicidal ideations. Of note, in the United States, suicide is the third leading cause of death in juveniles. Individuals with suicidal thoughts have feelings of depression and, in a few cases, a sense of grief (Hanser et al, 2011). Most important in the cases of suicidal ideations, intervention needs to start as soon as the counselor perceives