MEASURES TO PREVENT CRIMINAL OFFENSES OF JUVENILES IN SUPHANBURI JUVENILE AND FAMILY COURT

Abstract

This research article aims to achieve two main objectives: 1) to study the factors contributing to juvenile delinquency in the juvenile court and family context of Suphan Buri Province, and 2) to propose preventive measures against juvenile delinquency within the same legal and familial framework. The research findings are as follows: 1) From data collected from juvenile delinquents involved in criminal cases, it was found that property-related offenses were predominantly prosecuted. This was primarily influenced by personal factors, namely (1) Physical strength and (2) Adolescent rebelliousness or thrill-seeking behavior. Family-related factors, educational factors, and socio-environmental factors had relatively minor impacts. 2) Information from key informants indicated that juvenile delinquency stemmed from (1) Personal factors such as upbringing roles within families, mental health and substance abuse, and personal characteristics such as aggressive and impulsive behavior influenced by social media. Additionally, (2) Family factors such as lack of affection and attention from parents, the impact of violence, and poor economic conditions; (3) Educational factors including basic skill deficits and lack of educational opportunities and quality; and (4) Socio-environmental factors such as drug-prevalent communities, negative peer influence, poor economic conditions, and negative social media influences. And 3) Prevention measures against juvenile delinquency include: (1) Family-focused preventive measures that support nurturing and wholehearted upbringing; (2) Mental health preventive measures and counseling services; (3) Measures focusing on developing personal image; (4) Strengthening bonds with teachers and peers; and (5) Creating safe and friendly communities.