Abstract Juvenile delinquency is increasingly recognized as a complex psychological and social issue, often rooted in unaddressed mental health needs and adverse developmental conditions. Disruptive behaviours such as aggression, impulsivity and defiance are commonly observed among juveniles in conflict with law, reflecting underlying emotional dysregulation and environmental vulnerabilities. While legislative frameworks such as the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 emphasize rehabilitation and mandate psychological care, the practical implementation of structured mental health interventions remains limited and inconsistent. The present paper examines the critical gap between policy provisions and ground-level practices in addressing the mental health needs of juvenile delinquents. Adopting a theoretical and analytical approach, the study synthesizes existing literature, policy frameworks, and psychological models to highlight the importance of structured interventions such as counseling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The paper further proposes an integrated intervention framework aimed at improving emotional regulation, behavioural control, and social reintegration among juveniles. The findings underscore that effective rehabilitation cannot be achieved without embedding evidence-based psychological services within juvenile justice systems. Bridging the gap between policy and practice is essential for promoting long-term behavioural change and reducing recidivism.
Deshmukh et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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