The state of delinquency among juveniles is a persistent and pervasive American social problem. According to a 1985 study conducted by Hawkins, Juvenile crime represents over 40% of the total arrests for major crimes, including burglary, rape and murder. This rate of juvenile incarceration mirrors that of adult incarceration. This segment of the population which has been ignored by both the written law and society has created great social and economic costs. This pattern of juvenile delinquency and crime must be addressed. Funds need to be appropriated to research in an effort to control the increased rates of juvenile crime and provide more rehabilitation programs to delinquent youth.
The City of New Orleans has one of the highest rates of juvenile delinquency in the nation and far more crimes are committed in minority and low income neighborhoods than in the wealthy ones. Furthermore much of the city of New Orleans consists of largely urban and disadvantaged areas. Due to high rates of poverty and unemployment, to include a lack of family and neighborhood support, many juveniles use crime as a means to sustain their lifestyles or survive in an otherwise dangerous neighborhood.
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Recently, the City of New Orleans has shifted back to a rehabilitative stance, with a focus on community based resources, counseling, and other mental health services.
Various factors: policy implementation, public opinion, media coverage, funding and resources. All of these factors have influenced these transitions in the juvenile justice