Youth Justice Problem Identification and Policy-Making Problem Identification:

The issue of members of the youth community in the criminal justice system is one which has given populations great concern. Juvenile crime and delinquency creates an economic and sociological disparity which has far-reaching negative consequences in the society. Statistics show that individuals who become involved in criminal activity in the beginning years of their life will be more likely to develop as career criminals than those who are able to abstain from criminality in their youth. The earlier a person begins committing crimes, the greater the likelihood that they will commit serious and violent crimes later on in their lives.

Sociologists, psychologists, and individuals who are experts regarding criminality and illegal matters have identified certain criteria as heavy indicators that the individual in question will be likely to become involved in crime or not (Ramirez 2008). Individuals who...

Without the resources to support themselves or their families, people become involved in crime either as a means of financial support or in order to escape their real-world existences in a fantasy that crime can elevate you beyond your lowly stature. They also witness family members engaged in legitimate work who are struggling with minimum wage, family members not working who are dependent on government assistance, or family members who are involved in criminality and already making money or achieving a higher social stature within the community. These thus provide incentives for a young person to follow within their footsteps. Narcotics and other drug possession and consumption can increase this exponentially. If a family member or close friend(s) is involved in drug use, then the young person is very likely to become involved as well. Consequentially, in households where there is limited…