Juveniles

I found some interesting facts on why youths become part of the crime system.

Parents frequently ask about the risk factors associated with increased criminal activity and how to focus on effective intervention. Prevention-oriented programs show promise of significantly reducing repeat offenses.
Factors that increase the likelihood that a juvenile will engage in criminal activity include:
Poor academic performance, poor attendance, expulsion, or dropping out of school is associated with higher rates of juvenile crime.
Family problems, including sexual or physical abuse, neglect, a history of criminal activity by a family member, and abandonment are associated with higher rates of juvenile crime. Family problems also indicate a lack of parental control.
Substance abuse, including arrests for drug or alcohol possession or sale, and the impact of substance abuse on juvenile behavior are associated with higher rates of juvenile crime. Alcohol or drug use can lower a person's inhibitions, making it easier to engage in criminal activity, and drug users may engage in criminal activities to obtain money to purchase drugs.
Gang membership, especially at an early age, is strongly associated with future criminal activity.
Gun possession is a factor that "magnifies" juvenile crime by making offenses more likely to result in injury or death.
Other risk factors include juveniles from single parent households, behavior and conduct problems, poverty, and early sexual experience.
It is important to note that these risk factors do not guarantee criminal behavior, but simply are associated with higher risk of such behavior. Because young offenders who exhibit multiple risk factors are the most likely to become chronic recidivists -- "career criminals" -- early intervention strategies that address these factors could reduce the rates of future criminal activity.