Gangs and Delinquency Essay

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Gangs and Delinquency While youth involved in gangs comprise only a small proportion of the adolescent population overall, these gangs are a significant problem affecting youth safety. 2010 data indicate that about 756,000 U.S. youth, particularly 12- to 15-year-olds, are in over 29,000 gangs (U.S Department of Justice, 2012). Gang activity and its associated violence, including homicides, drug and weapon usage, and turf wars, are a significant component of the U.S. crime problem. While a higher percentage of African American, American Indian, and Hispanic youth join gangs, any race or ethnic group can form a gang, such as the white supremacists known as skinheads. Gang members must swear a loyalty oath that supersedes loyalty to their family of origin and often wear a certain color or style of clothing that indicates an affiliation with their gang. Many gang members become juvenile delinquents or lawbreakers under the age of 18. Sadly, aggression and serious crime are more frequent during adolescence than in any other period of the life span.

Pregnancy Not all teens are having sex, but in the United States, 47.4 percent of high-school students reported that they have engaged in sexual intercourse (CDC, 2011). Nearly 40 and 77 percent reported they did not use a condom or birth control, respectively. Over 15 percent reported having sex with four or more partners during their lifetime. There are obviously several negative consequences resulting from teens\’ involvement in sex, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and, of course, unintended pregnancy. In 2000, nearly half of the 19 million new STIs were among youth, and in 2009, an estimated 8,300 youth had HIV infection. Also in 2009, more than 400,000 teen girls gave birth (see CDC, 2013). Unfortunately, when teenage girls have babies, they often are at risk of dropping out of high school, depending on welfare throughout their lives, abusing drugs and alcohol, becoming victims of domestic violence, abusing their children, and being unemployed (Simpson, Pruitt, Blackwell, & Sweringen, 1997). This does not even address the complications to the baby. If a girl under 15 becomes pregnant, she is at greater risk of almost all possible birthing-related complications, including abortion, low birth-weight babies, stillbirth, and even death, as compared with waiting just five or more years to have a baby (Menacker, Martin, MacDorman, & Ventura, 2004).

Runaways Teenagers are considered runaways when they leave their legal residence without parental consent. Teens often run away because of a heated argument or to escape abuse. Sometimes, runaways do so to use drugs freely, commit crimes, or experience what they imagine are the glories of freedom. Others run away due to economic problems faced by their families. Research indicates that one in seven youth will run away and that 75 percent are female (NCSL, 2013), many of whom are pregnant. A high percentage (nearly two-thirds) of runaways are between the ages of 15 and 17 (U.S Department of Justice (2002). Many identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) or are questioning their sexual identity; many are or were part of the foster care system, and nearly half of all runaways or homeless youth report being abused. Sadly, 75 percent have dropped out or will drop out of high school. There are severe consequences that runaway youth face, including mental illness and high-risk behaviors such as drug use, unprotected sex, prostitution, and violence (NCSL, 2013).

Self-Mutilation, Suicide, and Depression Adolescence can be a very difficult time for many young people. Pressures from peers, parents, and school may seem overwhelming. In an attempt to cope with this barrage of demands, some teens cut their bodies with razors, knives, or needles to gain a sense of release from these pressures (Whitlock, 2010). This habit often becomes addictive, particularly for girls, and can create a cycle of self-loathing. For other teenagers, these pressures are intolerable, and they see suicide as their only alternative. Many struggles with mental illnesses such as depression.

Self-mutilation behaviors are seen in about 4 percent of the general adult population, in 12–37 percent in secondary-school populations, 12–20 percent in late adolescent populations (Whitlock), and 40–61 percent of adolescents in psychiatric inpatient settings (Darche, 1990; Diclemente, Ponton, & Hartley, 1991). Often referred to as nonsuicidal self-injury, it is often though associated with suicide.

Youth have the lowest suicide rates compared to any other age group. They are more likely to engage in suicidal ideation (thinking about suicide) than actually committing suicide; similarly more teens are likely to engage in parasuicide (engaging in a lethal action that does not result in death) and are often relieved that they survived. However, this does not imply it is not a problem. It is. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children aged 10–24 and the third leading cause of death for college-aged youth. Sadly, four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs (Jason Foundation, 2013).

While the general trend among youth is a decrease in confidence from late childhood through adolescence, clinical depression—or feelings of hopelessness, lethargy, and worthlessness that last two weeks or more—in adolescents is less common. However, it is still a severe issue that needs to be addressed. Studies estimate that about 8–28 percent of adolescents meet the criteria for major depression and that one in five has experienced depression at some point in their life (National Alliance on Mental Health, 2010). In adolescence, twice as many girls as boys are diagnosed. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), and medications have been shown to be efficacious treatment options.

Drug Usage Most young people have used at least one drug before the age of 18, attempting to enjoy the thrill of what they deem as independence yet denying the risky consequences. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (2012), illicit drug use among teens has been on the rise since 2000. Daily usage has also increased. Approximately 17 percent and 22.9 percent of 10th and 12th graders, respectively, reported using marijuana in the past month, with 6.5 percent of 12th graders using it every day. Interestingly, as perceptions of risk decrease, usage increases. Many teens are also using prescription drugs nonmedically (without a prescription or need for a prescription), such as Adderall (a stimulant), Vicodin (pain medication), cough medicines, and sedatives. While alcohol and tobacco usage is on the decline, nearly 14.5 percent and 28.1 percent of 10th and 12th graders, respectively, have reported getting drunk in the past month, and over 17 percent of 12th graders report being current smokers. Hookah water pipes and small cigars are currently raising public health concerns.

Identify which population group or groups you are most interested in working with and discuss the following from the criminal justice perspective: I am interested in Prevalence: At-Risk Behaviors

What do you think would be the most challenging in working with this group? Suicide and self-harmers

Have you had any experience working with this group? If so, what were they? I have had experience professionally as well as personally

Which topic or problem within this group would you want to focus on? Why? Suicide and self-harming.