Homonym: Delinquent (Offender)
A "delinquent" typically refers to a young person, often under the age of 18, who engages in illegal or antisocial behavior. This can include activities such as theft, vandalism, or truancy. Delinquency is often addressed through the juvenile justice system, which aims to rehabilitate rather than punish young offenders.
Delinquent behavior can be influenced by various factors, including family environment, peer pressure, and socioeconomic status. Programs designed to prevent delinquency often focus on education, mentorship, and community support to help at-risk youth make positive choices and avoid criminal activities.