What types of acts are prohibited for juveniles (i.e., status offenses), and how do these acts differ from acts prohibited for adults?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary. Juvenile acts that trigger court intervention are of three types: juvenile delinquency cases, status offenses, and juveniles as victims. About 6 in 10 of all juvenile justice cases are delinquency proceedings, which center on criminal actions committed by juveniles that would also be considered criminal if committed by adults. Each state, by law, determines what acts come under each category. In general, juvenile delinquents are those who commit acts that are punishable under the state's penal code. Examples are murder, robbery, burglary, and any act considered criminal in that state. Sanctions imposed for juvenile delinquents are often more severe than those for status offenses.Status offenses are not punishable if committed by someone of the proper age, but they can bring a child to the attention of a juvenile court. Status offenses include truancy, running away from home, tobacco use, inhalant abuse, curfew violation, and underage drinking (Hockenberry & Puzzanchera, 2017). The most common status offense for girls is running away, which is tied to parental abuse or neglect. Most status offenders may be involved with both the juvenile justice and the child welfare system. Fewer status offenses are referred to court than delinquency cases-but status offenses can be reported by teachers, social services agencies, police, or parents (Hockenberry & Puzzanchera, 2017).