Which of the following is cited as an environmental risk factor for juvenile delinquency?

• A. High crime rate in neighborhood
• B. High unemployment rate in area
• C. Lack of community resources for activities and sports
• D. All of the above

Answer: (C)

Environmental risk factors are conditions in a youth’s surroundings that can increase the likelihood of delinquent behavior. A lack of community resources for activities and sports directly removes constructive, supervised outlets that help channel a young person’s energy in positive directions. When there aren’t affordable programs, clubs, or safe spaces to participate in, youth have fewer opportunities for mentorship, prosocial peer groups, and structured time, which can raise the chance of drifting into negative behaviors. While a high crime rate in a neighborhood or high unemployment in an area can contribute to risk by signaling broader social and economic stress, they are broader conditions rather than the specific environmental supports that communities can directly improve. That’s why the absence of meaningful community resources is the most direct environmental risk factor cited.