Delinquent Behavior: Criminalized Rather Than Diagnosed

Despite having similar records and criminal backgrounds, some youth in the juvenile detention system are labeled as “delinquents” while others are seen as suffering from mental disorders. A new article accounts for this allocation of terms, citing that minorities and impoverished children are quicker to be labeled as deviant, while privileged and white children are usually seen as suffering from psychiatric health problems.

Despite having similar records and criminal backgrounds, some youth in the juvenile detention system are labeled as “delinquents” while others are seen as suffering from mental disorders. A new article accounts for this allocation of terms, citing that minorities and impoverished children are quicker to be labeled as deviant, while privileged and white children are usually seen as suffering from psychiatric health problems. Different parenting situations, as well as class biases, may contribute to these labels, but the right kinds of preventive measures and support can provide appropriate behavioral or mental diagnoses for children and improve outcomes