Juvenile Delinquency Theory, Research, and the Juvenile Justice Process

Combining theory with practical application, this seminal introduction to juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice integrates the latest research with emerging problems and trends in an overview of the field.  

Part I. Definitions, Scope and Trends in Juvenile Delinquency.- 1. The Transition of Child to Adult.- 2. Past and Current Biosocial Perspectives on Delinquency Causation.- 3. Social-Psychological Theories of Delinquency.- 4. Social Organizational Perspectives on Delinquency Causation.- 5. Perspectives on the Interpersonal Relationships in the Family.- 6. Perspectives on Gangs and Peer Group Influences Pertaining to Delinquency Causation.- 7. Perspectives on Delinquency and Violence in the Schools.- Part II. Youth in the Juvenile Justice System.- 8. Laws and Court Cases Pertaining to Children: Offenders and victims.- 9. Perspectives on Children as Victims of Abuse and Neglect.- 10. The Police Role in Delinquency Prevention and Control.- 11. Processing the Juvenile Offender: Diversion, Informal Handling, and Special Dockets.- 12. The Juvenile Court Process.- 13. Probation and Community Based Programs.- 14. Perspectives on Juveniles Incarcerated in Secure Facilities.- 15. Parole and Community Supervision.- 16. Counseling and Treatment of Juvenile Offenders.

Peter Charles Kratcoski earned a PhD in sociology from the Pennsylvania State university, a MA in sociology from the University of Notre Dame and a BA in sociology from King’s College. He taught at St. Thomas College and Pennsylvania State University before assuming the position of assistant professor of sociology at Kent State University. He retired as professor  of  sociology/criminal justice studies and Chairman of the Department of Criminal Justice Studies at Kent State University. He is currently a professor emeritus and adjunct professor at Kent State. He has published many books, book chapters and journal articles in juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice, juvenile victimization and crime prevention as well as completing numerous research  projects   relating to policing, crime prevention, juvenile delinquency prevention and victimization. His most recent publications include author of Correctional Counseling and Treatment (6^th edition) 2017, co-editor of Corruption, Fraud, Organized Crime, and the Shadow Economy, 2016 and co-editor of Perspectives on Elderly Crime and Victimization, 2018.

Lucille Dunn Kratcoski was awarded a  Bachelor of Arts degree  from Marywood College and a Master degree in music from Pennsylvania State University. She has numerous years teaching experience at the elementary, high school and university levels as well as providing private instruction. She co-authored Juvenile Delinquency and a number of book chapters and journal articles on the subject of juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice. In addition to her private practice, she serves as a  Kratcoski Research Associate.

 Peter Christopher Kratcoski was awarded the B A degree in political science from Ohio State University and the juris doctorate degree from Ohio State University. He obtained a position as an associate attorney with the law firm Williams, and  Welser.  He  became a full partner and currently is the senior attorney of the law firm.  In addition to his law practice work, he has taught as an adjunct professor numerous law related courses at Kent State University and other colleges. He has co-authored two  books  related  to  experiential education in law and has presented papers at professional meetings.