Juvenile delinquency is a critical problam facing communities throughout the country (USA). Youth growing up in stabel households as well as those growing up in maladjusted, economically insecure and emotional unstable homes are violating the law. Many facets of the social welfare system deal w/allevating this problem. This paper will examine children, their relationship to crime and the role of social work in addressing this problem. I. Introduction (a) What is delinquency(b) importance of this topic. II. General Causes and Conditions of Juvenile Delinquency (a) Environmental factors; (b) Cultural Factors; (c) Psychological Factors. III. Prevention and Treatment (a) Role of Law Enforcement Agencies and Juvenile Court; (b) Juvenile Detention; (c) Institutional Treatment vs Group homes/Family Care. III. Role of Social Work in Juvenile Delinquency (a) Role of Social Worker; (b) Barriers/Limitations/Challenges. V. Conclusion/Summary


