Social theories are important when it comes to juvenile offending. It helps explain how observations, environments, and even family can influence a young individual's behavior. With this, two theories are important when it comes to designing prevention and intervention programs to target what causes juvenile offending rather than just completely punishing them. According to Juvenile Crime (2018), the establishment of juvenile courts in the late 1800s reflected a shift in how society viewed young offenders. Instead, courts were designed to support and rehabilitate children, rather than punish them. The intention was to shield children from the severe environment and treatment prevalent in adult courts. 

"Concern for JO is illustrated through the high prevalence of mental health concerns layered with comorbidity, substance use, adverse childhood experience (ACEs), further involvement within the justice system, and racial/cultural disparities" (Gantt & Diambra, 2024).

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