Juvenile delinquency rates in Ukraine in 2016–2017

Abstract

The article presents current tendencies related to juvenile delinquency in Ukraine based on data from the 2016–2017 period. Quantitative juvenile delinquency indices differ substantially from quantitative adult crime indices. This is primarily caused by the fact that the former apply to a four-year period (14–18 years of age), while the latter apply to the period after reaching the age of majority. Differences between juvenile and adult crime also manifest in the form of e.g. the nature and degree of social harm inflicted by the crimes, which is determined by the age of the perpetrators. Their age is not only related to the socio-psychological profiles of offenders, but also their position in society (which is why juvenile delinquency does not encompass e.g. economic crimes, professional offences etc.). The article presents the fundamental determinants of juvenile delinquency, based on the premise that a thorough analysis of crimes committed by persons under 18 years of age is necessary to effectively combat the phenomenon in Ukraine. The article also identifies the major methods currently used to prevent and counteract this type of crimes.