oblems, negative peer group pressures and drug involvement" (p. 236). One result has been a general recognition that more than increased punishment is needed to reduce what Shiff and Wexler (1996, July-August) call "the continued allure of drugs, guns and fast money to the American teen," hence the current wave of experimentation with new methods, such as the use of boot camps, teen courts and various forms of treatment and prevention outside the juvenile correctional system (p. 342).
Youths typically between 7 and 18 first come in contact with the juvenile justice system because of complaints made to the police by parents, school officials, neighbors or others of their anti-social behavior. If they are committed to probation or confinement, they remain (unless unconditionally released) under the jurisdiction of juvenile courts and/or juvenile correctional facilities until they reach 25. Their cases fall into various categories, those accused of what would be criminal off
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