Six major studies are cited in review of the literature comparing status and delinquent offenders, yielding findings which support a policy of moderation in decision making about differential treatment of these two types of juvenile offenders. Four of the studies on status offenders which indicate that recidivism rates may vary in proportion to…

How to get young people to find status and prestige within a law-abiding society presents the most promising, although most difficult, solution to crime. It continues to be the most ignored and underfunded dimension within the political-legal-therapeutic process that attempts to prevent and control delinquent and criminal behavior. (SLD)