Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Juvenile delinquency is a sort of crimes that is committed by young persons under the age of 18 years.
OBJECTIVE:
Is to determine the psychosocial profile of juvenile offenders in Iraq.
METHODS:
This phenomenon was studied in Iraq from2003 -2005, to acquire a better understanding of it, 400 accused were assessed in the personality assessment bureau [P.A.B] using ICD -10 clinical based interview sorted down with descriptive data.
RESULTS:
The highest age for the accused was 17 years, predominantly males with a socioeconomic history of deprivation, premature labor, illiteracy, and limited primary education. Their families were living in rather more or less similar conditions. Theft as a crime was on the top of the list.
CONCLUSION:
According to the [P.A.B], the majorities of the accused were not mentally ill, and before the juvenile court were fully responsible. Half of the sample was recommended to juvenile rehabilitation centers, and about one fifth of the accused were able to be released on legal bailing.