Criminal justice professionals and the media have noted the rise of juvenile crime rates nationwide and a growing surge in youth violence. This in turn has highlighted the debate over juvenile transfers to adult courts. Proponents of treating violent juvenile offenders as adults argue that juvenile offenders should be held accountable and receive punishment that is appropriate to the seriousness of their offences and that society must be protected by their removal from law abiding communities. They urge that young offenders must be held accountable for both lesser and more serious crimes, especially when the former offences, if unpunished, may lead offenders to commit the latter. Opponents of treating violent juveniles offenders as adults argue that harsh punishment of juvenile offenders is counterproductive, creating recidivism. Their contention is that youths who are committing crimes should still be tried in juvenile courts rather than adult courts, for a greater effect. This informative book presents all the current issues, problems, ideas, as well as some background on the controversies surrounding juvenile crime.

This document presents discussion on the Juvenile Crime Control and Delinquency Prevention Act (H.R. 1150) and provides testimonies of experts with first-hand knowledge of quality delinquency and violence prevention programs. An opening statement from Representative Mike Castle (Delaware) related the problem of children who become involved in at-risk activities such as drugs, alcohol, and crime, and the disturbing numbers of those children who enter the juvenile justice system each year. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of quality after-school programs that encourage children's involvement in a variety of educational and enrichment activities. Testimony was presented by Jesse Sligh, Executive Assistant District Attorney, Queens County District Attorney's Office, New York; Karla Ballard, Arise International; Vincent Schiraldi, Executive Director of the Center for Juvenile and Criminal Justice; Sandra Mc Brayer, Children's Initiative of San Diego; Barbara Ott, Silver Spring YMCA Youth Services; and Robert Smith (accompanied by Jesse Armetta), Director of Youth Services Agencies of Pennsylvania. An appendix contains the prepared statements of the witnesses. (GCP)

This hearing on the Juvenile Crime Control and Delinquency Prevention Act (H.R. 1150) presents testimonies from individuals who administer the key federal programs that address problems of juvenile delinquency and runaway and homeless youth. As the committee looks toward reauthorizing the Juvenile Justice Act, it is suggested that the act needs a stronger emphasis on its protection and prevention focuses, as presented in H.R. 1150. Testimony is presented by Shay Bilchik, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and Patricia Montoya, Commissioner of the Administrator on Children, Youth, and Families. An appendix contains the prepared statements of the witnesses. (GCP)