Operationalizing routine activity theory in juvenile delinquency: A social work perspective

Abstract

Routine activity theory, introduced by Cohen and Felson, may be useful in informing social workers to design better interventions with juvenile offenders. This article aims to apply the theory in the juvenile context through operationalizing the three elements specified by the theory – namely an absence of guardianship, a motivated offender and a suitable target. In order to do this, this article reviewed related studies that have been conducted to detail what is necessary to address juvenile delinquency. The operationalizations in this article may be used to advance further research and social work practice with juvenile delinquents.