Community-Based Legal Services in the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency: A Legal Intervention Model

Abstract

Introduction: Juvenile delinquency is a growing concern in Indonesia, particularly in urban areas where young people face social and economic challenges. A lack of access to education, family instability, and peer pressure are often key factors contributing to criminal behavior among youth.
Purpose: This paper explores the role of community-based legal services in preventing juvenile delinquency. The focus is on legal intervention models that can help prevent criminal behavior among young people by offering education, mentorship, and legal guidance.
Method: The research utilizes case studies of community legal service programs aimed at at-risk youth, alongside interviews with program coordinators, youth participants, and community leaders. Data on recidivism rates and the effectiveness of interventions are also analyzed.
Findings and Results: The study reveals that community-based legal services that offer both legal counseling and social support (such as mentorship and educational programs) significantly reduce the likelihood of reoffending among juvenile offenders. The integration of legal services with community initiatives results in more sustainable behavior change.
Urgency: With increasing rates of youth crime and limited resources for juvenile rehabilitation, there is an urgent need for cost-effective, community-led interventions that prevent delinquency and offer alternatives to incarceration.
Contribution: This paper contributes by presenting a model for integrating legal services into community-based prevention programs, which can be replicated in other regions facing similar issues.
Recommendation: The study recommends expanding the scope of community-based legal services to incorporate preventative strategies for at-risk youth, along with more robust community partnerships to ensure the success of these programs.