This course introduces the student to the origins and development of the juvenile justice system in the United States. Students will study the juvenile justice system and child welfare systems from historical, legal, and institutional perspectives. Students will become familiar with the substantive law of Pennsylvania in terms of delinquency and child abuse with some international comparisons. Problems and theories of delinquency, interdisciplinary communication and diversion of selected juvenile offenders from the formal justice system will be explored. Each component of the system: police, courts, probation and community corrections are analyzed and recommendations for improvement are considered. The community and the schools and their role in delinquency prevention will be covered. Lastly, there will be a study of the nature, magnitude, and social location of youth crime; analysis of causal theories, and an overview of programs aimed at delinquency prevention and control.