Risk factors can be described as scientifically established reasons that have a strong correlation or a causal relationship to a problem. Thorough understanding of numerous factors that result in juvenile delinquency can help the society in getting solutions to deal with this problem. Some of these factors have been listed below.
Environmental level factors -- Environment or the surroundings where a child grows has a phenomenal role in influencing the behavioral patterns in children. Some environmental level factors that have been traditionally identified with violent and delinquent behavior include poverty, excessive exposure to violence and crime, high rate of unemployment and limited economic opportunities.
Community level factors -- According to researchers, the community has a phenomenal role to play in development of children and their smooth transition from adolescence to teens and then to adulthood. A strong community infrastructure help children and youngsters to develop necessary social skills, increase self-confidence and enhance decision-making powers. Disorganized communities are a potential risk factor for youth violence. Some important community level risk factors include lack of quality educational and recreational opportunities, prevalence of drugs and availability of weapons.
Family level factors -- It is important to have good communication between parents and children, genuine parental care and adequate elderly supervision and guidance so as to ensure healthy development of a child. However, incidences such as child abuse, child neglect, family violence, extreme family conflict and hostility, and ineffectual disciplinary practices can have a direct influence on a child's state of mind, resulting in juvenile delinquency and crime.
Individual factors -- Aggressive behavior has also been observed in children with certain types of neurological, biological and cognitive problems. Some of these include restlessness, poor mental ability, low IQ and verbal ability, poor performance at the school, increased competition from peers, constricted problem-solving skills, lowered reasoning capabilities, low birth weight, anoxia, neurophysiological abnormalities and abnormal functioning of steroid hormones and neurotransmitter systems.
