Sociology and Criminology-Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Comparative Analysis of the Evolution of Juvenile Delinquency andEffectiveness of Penal Sanctions: Methodological Solutions and NewChallenges

San Juan C and Ocáriz E

This article analyzes the evolution of the profile of juvenile offenders and their criminal activity in the Spanish Autonomous community. We will compare three samples of the Justice Plan carried out by the authors from 2003 to 2013. The sample group covered 283 youths in the first study (2003), 553 in the second study (2006) and 542 in the third study (2009). The results indicate a substantial increase in both the number of young offenders and the number of offenses committed. Changes were also detected in the type of delinquent behavior engaged in, with the emergence of new problems such as child-to-parent violence, which was negligible ten years ago. The discussion offers a comparative analysis of the results found herein with those reported by literature both in Spain and internationally, using age, recidivism and gender as parameters. Finally, the paper outlines some of the future challenges for the Juvenile Justice System such as interventions with recidivist minors, female delinquency and offenses committed in digital contexts.