Teens at risk

It is difficult enough for children from stable families with adequate financial resources to cope with the pressures and risks in today's society, but for poor and underserved youth, the stress often proves debilitating. In their search for structure, protection, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging, under-privileged youth are susceptible to gangs and frequently get involved in a life of drug dealing, firearms trafficking, and violence. As a result, poor youth are at great risk of entering the juvenile justice system or, even worse, the adult criminal justice system, where they receive little sympathy or support from the American public. And once in the system, these juvenile offenders face almost insurmountable odds agains returning to the community and becoming productive members. - Introduction.