GUIDELINES FOR APPLYING MEASURES TO PREVENT CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN AND YOUTH WHO NEED CARE TO PREVENT THEM FROM COMMITTING CRIMES IN THE UNITED STATES AND TO PREVENT CRIMES COMMITTED BY THAI CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Abstract

Abstract

         This documentary research draws upon: (1) the study of the principles, concepts, and theories where related to the prevention of juvenile delinquency; (2) examination and analysis of legal measures which employed in the United States in order to prevent children and youth from engaging in delinquent behavior; and (3) proposed appropriate legal measures for preventing juvenile delinquency in Thailand. This is a documentary research study, utilizing the collection and analysis of relevant documents.

          The findings demonstrate that: (1) Family failure and adverse environmental factors that significantly contribute to juvenile delinquency. When the family fails to fulfill themselves protective role, the state must intervene under the concept of Parents Patriae (the state as parent). However, the legal measures under the Child Protection Act B.E. 2546 (2003) in Thailand remains ambiguous in practice, with courts having little involvement in the protective process. Additionally, some children who have undergone rehabilitation under the Juvenile and Family Court and Juvenile and Family Case Procedure Act B.E. 2553 (2010) relapse into at-risk behavior and reoffend. (2) The United States provides concrete legal frameworks for the preventive protection of adolescents, with the court playing a vital role through mechanisms such as the "Persons in Need of Supervision" (PINS) petitions. (3) It recommended that Thailand be amend the Juvenile and Family Court and Juvenile and Family Case Procedure Act B.E. 2553 for incorporating preventive measures that empower the court to intervene and safeguard at-risk young persons before they commit unlawful conduct.