Introduction
The problem of juvenile delinquency affects societies all around the world. Ramone and Lisa’s story, set in the harsh environment of Downtown Los Angeles, gives us a glimpse into the intricate network of variables that can lead to antisocial conduct in young people. In this study, we aim to examine the societal, familial, and environmental variables shaping these young people. The paper will propose comprehensive prevention and treatment programs that can holistically address the unique challenges faced by these youths, encouraging positive development and steering them towards a path of constructive engagement in society, drawing on evidence-based approaches and insights from chapters seven through eleven.
Reasons for Ramone’s Gang Involvement and Drug Use
Ramone’s involvement in gangs and drug usage can be further understood through the prism of numerous criminological theories, offering additional insights into the nuanced motivations that drove his behavior. According to the social learning theory, Ramone may have been impacted by witnessing peers, or more experienced people engage in criminal activity, progressively internalizing these behaviors as rewarding or acceptable due to the social acceptability and support inside the gang (Siegel & Welsh, 2014). Ramone may have found a feeling of identity and belonging in the gang that he lacked elsewhere due to the attractiveness of the group’s friendship, strength, and position.
According to strain theory, Ramone may have experienced frustration and pessimism due to his limited access to educational and employment possibilities and the high level of crime in his community. Delinquency may have emerged as a different strategy for coping with his difficult circumstances and looking for a way to escape or release from the pressures in his environment due to these difficulties (Jang, 2018). Further encouraging him to commit crimes to obtain these goals could have been observing material success or social standing linked to criminal activity.
The social bonding theory emphasizes the importance of solid social links to traditional institutions like family and school in keeping people from engaging in criminal activity. Ramone may have been more susceptible to criminal impulses because of his frail social ties to these organizations. He might have had fewer pro-social possibilities and a weaker attachment to societal standards due to a lack of supportive family relationships and disengagement from school, making him more open to delinquent peer groups and activities.
Familial Risk Factors and Possible Outcomes
A child’s family significantly influences their behavior; Ramone and Lisa are no exception. Due to their mother Beth’s hectic work schedule, the children are left vulnerable to harmful peer pressure and unstructured leisure time, which presents numerous potential for criminal activity. A person’s likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior to cope with trauma increases when they endure or witness domestic abuse since it can have severe psychological effects (Reeta & Singh, 2020). Furthermore, Ramone and Lisa may suffer from normalizing substance misuse in the home environment, increasing the likelihood of criminal activity by making drug use acceptable.
Ramone and Lisa are at risk for several adverse outcomes due to their difficult situation and exposure to numerous risk factors. Continued involvement in illegal and delinquent behaviors may feed a cycle of evil deeds and run-ins with the law, possibly resulting in involvement in the juvenile justice system. Furthermore, their lack of participation in educational and pro-social initiatives may lead to poor academic performance or school abandonment, restricting their chances and feeding a cycle of disadvantage. Unresolved trauma and inadequate assistance may exacerbate their vulnerabilities, contributing to mental health problems like anxiety and depression. This may prevent them from leading healthy and satisfying lives and increase their vulnerability.
Differences in Delinquency Risks between Lisa and Ramone
Despite having similar risk factors, Ramone and Lisa react differently to difficult situations. Due to the severe emotional scarring caused by Lisa’s horrible abuse background, she has chosen to internalize her problems. She can avoid social situations and turn to harmful coping strategies like substance abuse to dull her anguish and escape the harsh reality of her circumstance. Ramone, in contrast, externalizes his feelings by using gang affiliation and retaliatory activities to express his rage and frustration. He seeks a feeling of identity and belonging within the gang and takes comfort in the friendship and help provided by other members. Making specialized intervention techniques that address their needs and problems requires understanding these individual variances in how people respond to adversity.
Recognizing the many symptoms of trauma and distress is essential to creating successful intervention plans for Ramone and Lisa. Trauma-focused therapy and counseling may be beneficial for Lisa to face and process her prior experiences and progressively reestablish her emotional well-being. In addition, treatments like art therapy or support groups that encourage resilience and give people like her healthy outlets for their feelings can help her heal (Siegel & Welsh, 2014). Conversely, Ramone believes that interventions should concentrate on presenting alternatives to gang life to reduce its attractiveness. He may be able to develop a sense of purpose independent of gang affiliation with the help of mentoring programs and career training. In addition, cognitive-behavioral treatment can assist him in better managing his emotions. Interventions can be better adapted to meet Ramone and Lisa’s unique needs and problems by recognizing and addressing these individual distinctions, enhancing their potential for growth and change.
Delinquency Risks Associated with Drug Use
The use of drugs considerably raises the dangers of adolescent delinquency. It increases young people’s risk of doing more criminal activities and exposes them to potential legal repercussions. Abuse of alcohol and other drugs impairs judgment and cognitive function, resulting in impulsive and dangerous behaviors that can increase criminal involvement. Teenagers may turn to theft, vandalism, or drug-related activities as they become enmeshed in obtaining drugs and supporting their addiction, furthering their delinquent tendencies (Reeta & Singh, 2020).
Additionally, drug usage might hurt a person’s social interactions and academic interests. Substance abuse’s disruptive character can result in truancy, academic decline, and student disengagement, depriving them of essential chances for personal development and wholesome social influences. As a result, young people may become estranged from pro-social settings and drawn further into a cycle of criminality, cutting them off from avenues for recovery and reintegration into society.
School-Based Prevention and Control Strategies
The importance of schools in combating juvenile criminality and helping at-risk youngsters like Ramone and Lisa cannot be overstated. Multi-pronged strategies are needed to influence. Early identification and intervention programs can identify students in problematic family or community settings. Schools can reduce the appeal of gang membership and drug usage by providing a safe refuge for adolescents. Counseling services and essential support are two ways schools may assist students in coping with trauma and emotional discomfort. Mentoring programs help youth grow by pairing them with successful adults in their communities who can serve as positive role models (Jang, 2018). Adopting adaptable educational models like alternative schools and vocational programs helps kids whose needs and circumstances are beyond the norm find a way forward that matches their strengths and goals. Schools may play a crucial role in reducing juvenile delinquency and giving at-risk children the tools they need to build a better future if they adopt such a holistic approach.
The Reasons Behind Ramone Joining a Gang
Several things influenced Ramone’s gang membership. The gang may have offered affiliation and identity as an adolescent with limited possibilities and terrible experiences. In a violent, competitive environment, the gang’s power, respect, and protection offered may have appealed to Ramone. The gang may have filled Ramone’s need for familial support and supervision. The gang offered Ramone an alternative social framework where he could find his identity and assert himself. The gang’s companionship may have protected him from the isolation and vulnerability that typically accompanies dysfunctional family dynamics. Understanding these reasons allows treatments to address Ramone’s unfulfilled needs for connection and support and refocus his sense of identity and purpose toward more constructive and pro-social routes (Reeta & Singh, 2020).
Additional Issues Applicable to the Scenario
The situation of Ramone and Lisa illuminates more considerable environmental difficulties present in Downtown Los Angeles, in addition to the social, familial, and individual factors already highlighted. Deviant conduct is encouraged by the city’s poor economy and high crime rates, making it hard for at-risk teenagers like Ramone and Lisa to imagine a better future for themselves. They are vulnerable to negative influences and delinquency engagement because of a lack of accessible community services, limited options for leisure activities, and a paucity of supportive role models. Environmental issues should be considered while studying teenage criminality. Young individuals are more inclined to commit crimes in areas with high poverty and crime rates. Without proper guidance and resources, these youth risk continuing in a pattern of offending that puts themselves and their communities at risk.
Prevention and Treatment Programs for Addressing Risk Factors and Delinquency
- Family-focused programs: Family therapy, parenting classes, and parent substance addiction treatment can improve family dynamics and parental support.
- School-based intervention: Social-emotional learning, anti-bullying, and restorative justice can improve school atmosphere and address delinquency.
- Mentoring programs: Responsible mentors can help at-risk adolescents outside their family and area.
- Substance abuse treatment: Ramone and Lisa should have access to evidence-based substance abuse treatment programs to treat their addiction and avoid drug-related misbehavior.
- Community outreach: Creating safe spaces and extracurricular activities with community organizations can help adolescents avoid delinquency.
- Juvenile diversion programs: First-time, non-violent criminals may benefit more from community-based rehabilitation than the formal court system.
Conclusion
Ramone and Lisa show how social, parental, and environmental influences shape juvenile criminality. We can break the delinquency cycle and give youth the tools to succeed by recognizing and addressing these influencers and implementing evidence-based prevention and treatment programs (Siegel & Welsh, 2014). Creating a supportive and caring environment in families and communities for at-risk adolescents like Ramone and Lisa is crucial to this effort. This concerted effort can empower adolescents to make informed and constructive choices, reducing juvenile criminality and benefiting the community.
References
Jang, S. J. (2018). Religiosity, crime, and drug use among juvenile offenders: A test of reciprocal relationships over time. International journal of offender therapy and comparative criminology, 62(14), 4445-4464.
Reeta, V., & Singh, G. (2020). Broken families and impact on juvenile delinquency. Int J Humanit Soc Sci Invent, 9, 33-8.
Siegel, L. J., & Welsh, B. C. (2014). Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, Practice, and Law (12th ed.). Cengage Learning US. https://reader2.yuzu.com/books/9781285974705
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