Mitigation of Juvenile Delinquency Risk Through a Person-Centered Approach: The Intervention of Juvenile Probation Services

This article contends that juvenile delinquency may be viewed from a developmental perspective and as such be connected to its penal treatment, of which the purpose is mainly educational. The emergence of antisocial and/or delinquent behavior of minors is characterized as a form of rebellion and resistance to power. The mitigation of juvenile delinquency risk can be achieved through a humanitarian approach. Minor offenders need to be approached in a special manner and treated in a way tailored to suit their needs according to age. The present article outlines the profile of the minor offender and his/her family background, as well as the institutional role of Juvenile Probation Officers as practitioners in the Greek penal system. Counseling of minors and parents and advocacy to minors are described as two distinct inter-related practices that help children reintegrate into society and achieve their social education.