Whitehead: Juvenile Justice, 7th Edition

Case Studies with Questions and Answers

Chapter 13: The Victimization of Juveniles

Case Study 1

Juvenile justice typically looks at the offender. Unfortunately, this orientation ignores the other half of the dyad involved in most delinquent acts. The victim is ignored when the focus is exclusively on the offender. Interestingly, the victim is most often another youth. It is important to consider the victim as well as the offender.

Questions

  1. How common is youthful victimization?

    2. Correct Answer

    The victimization of youths is extremely common, with roughly 4% of all youths being the victim of a violent crime each year. This victimization takes place in the community and in schools. There are also almost 900,000 cases of child abuse and neglect reported every year.


  2. Where can you get data on youthful victimization?

    3. Correct Answer

    Victimization data is available from police records, the National Crime Survey, school surveys, and from child protective services agencies in each state.


  3. What are the limitations with victimization data?

    4. Correct Answer

    Victimization data are limited in different ways, depending on the source of the data. Police data give only a cursory view because they are concerned primarily with offenders. Self-reports of youths typically take place in schools and reflect victimization in schools more than other locations. Abuse and neglect statistics are limited by the fact that such acts take place outside public view and are often hard to identify.



Case Study 2

Harry and Sally are in the midst of a bitter divorce. Sally has accused Harry in court documents of abusing their 12-year-old daughter (Anna). Anna claims that she has indeed been abused by her father, but also gives information that suggests abuse and neglect by the mother as well. The court has concerns for her safety and will take steps to protect the child.

Questions

  1. What court or courts would be potentially involved in this situation?

    2. Correct Answer

    The divorce action is typically heard in a Domestic Relations Court. It is here that the initial abuse allegations are noted. The issue of abuse, however, will usually be turned over to another court, such as a Family Relations Court, the Juvenile Court, or even the Adult Court.


  2. What processes or procedures will be used to protect the child during the investigation and court cases?

    3. Correct Answer

    It is most likely that a guardian ad litem or a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer will be appointed to protect the interests of the child. It is also likely that some testimony will be taken "in camera" so that the youth will not have to face the parents and allegations in open court.


  3. What is the primary concern in this case?

    4. Correct Answer

    Protection of the child is the primary concern.


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