Juvenile Delinquency (Behavioural Difficulties)

1) What it is

“Juvenile delinquency” refers to repeated behaviour in children/teens that breaks rules or laws (aggression, stealing, vandalism, risky behaviours). It’s not always a mental illness — it can be a sign of unmet needs, trauma, neurodiversity, or environmental stress.

Often linked support needs include:

• conduct disorder
• trauma responses
• ADHD/impulsivity
• family instability
• school exclusion

2) What it feels like (real-life examples)

Young person:

“I don’t care.” (often a shield)

“Everyone’s against me.”

“I get angry fast.”

“I can’t control myself.”

“It’s the only way I feel powerful.”

Parents/carers:

“I’m exhausted and scared.”

“We’ve tried everything.”

“School keeps calling.”

3) Common signs & symptoms

• aggression, fighting
• stealing or lying often
• damaging property
• substance experimentation
• school refusal or exclusion
• unsafe peers
• risky behaviour
• low empathy or remorse (sometimes)
• frequent conflict with authority

4) What causes it / risk factors

• trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• unmet emotional needs
• poor impulse control / ADHD
• unstable home environment
• lack of safe adult support
• bullying or rejection
• poverty stress and lack of opportunity
• neurodevelopmental difficulties

5) Triggers (what can make it worse)

• humiliation and shame
• criticism and harsh punishment
• peer pressure
• substance use
• boredom and lack of structure
• unsafe home environment
• being excluded from school/community support

6) What helps right now (fast relief tools)

• immediate safety planning (remove weapons/risks)
• calm boundaries (not screaming battles)
• reduce peer-risk access
• involve school safeguarding
• contact professional support early
• focus on connection + consequences calmly

7) Longer-term self-help strategies

• consistent boundaries + stable routines
• mentorship and positive activities
• therapy for trauma/anger
• parenting support programmes
• family support and communication skills
• education support / alternative provision if needed

8) Treatment options (what usually helps)

• CAMHS referral if mental health needs identified
• family therapy / parenting programmes
• youth support services
• substance misuse support if present
• school behaviour plans and SEND assessment if relevant

9) Medication overview (plain-English)

No medication treats “delinquency,” but meds may help underlying ADHD/anxiety if diagnosed and supported clinically.

10) Work, relationships & daily life tips

For parents:

• choose calm consistency over punishment intensity
• notice small positives and cooperation
• keep communication short and clear
• avoid shame labels (“bad kid”)
• use consequences that teach skills

11) When to seek urgent help

Urgent help if:

• violence or weapon risk
• serious criminal behaviour escalating
• safeguarding issues (abuse, exploitation, gangs)
• self-harm/suicidal risk
• parent/carer safety concerns

12) Trusted help & resources

• NHS: Children and young people’s mental health support
• YoungMinds (parents support)
• NSPCC Helpline
• Childline 0800 1111
• Samaritans 116 123 / Shout 85258

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