Alienation-reduction as a paradigm for delinquency reduction

It is suggested that agencies adopt the concept of alienation-reduction as the paradigm for designing and coordinating juvenile delinquency programs. Existing theory and data are consistent with the view that delinquency is associated with alienation and most existing rehabilitation approaches can be viewed within the framework of alienation-reduction. Adoption of the paradigm offers three important advantages: (1) it defines the problem in terms of the individual's relation to his environment; (2) it can facilitate communication among diverse youth-serving agencies; (3) it provides a logical basis for action and decisions regarding prevention, diversion, and treatment programs.