Inner-City Youth Programs

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency is an issue that has impacted the criminal justice system and other social institutions. Subsequently, studies have been conducted to determine whether organizational-based extracurricular activities prevent juvenile delinquency. Scholarship has, however, produced mixed results. Some scholars argue that extracurricular activities keep juveniles busy throughout the year. Thus, preventing juveniles from participating in delinquent acts. In contrast, other scholars have found that juveniles involved in extracurricular activities, such as sports-based activities, have not had the intended effect. This chapter aims to examine inner-city youth programs (ICYPs). More specifically, a detailed examination of multiple program types will be discussed. The intended purpose of this chapter is to inform interested parties so they can have a better understanding of the impact these programs have on the daily lives of juveniles and communities. The net result is to help advocate for refined individual- and institutional-based practices moving forward.