Delinquency

Behaviour in a young person that would be considered a crime in an adult. The term is often extended to include noncriminal behaviour such as drug abuse, playing truant, or running away from home. Juvenile delinquency probably results from a combination of social, psychological, and biological factors. Child guidance or family therapy may be recommended. Persistent offenders may be sent to special schools, taken into care, or made wards of court.