North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What term describes juveniles who are less than 16 but at least 6 years old, unlawfully absent from school, or regularly disobedient beyond the control of their parent or guardian?

1. Undisciplined juvenile

2. Delinquent juvenile

3. At-risk youth

4. Status offender

The correct answer is: Undisciplined juvenile

The term that describes juveniles who are less than 16 but at least 6 years old, unlawfully absent from school, or regularly disobedient beyond the control of their parent or guardian is "undisciplined juvenile." This designation is specifically used for youth who engage in behaviors that are problematic but are not necessarily criminal in nature, such as truancy or habitual disobedience to parental authority. In the context of juvenile justice, being classified as an undisciplined juvenile often leads to interventions aimed at addressing the underlying issues contributing to their behavior, rather than treating them purely as offenders. This classification helps social services and the court system focus on guiding and improving the youth's behavior through appropriate programs and support rather than punitive measures. Other terms like delinquent juvenile refer specifically to those who have committed offenses that would be a crime if committed by an adult, while status offender relates to behaviors that are considered offenses only because of the age of the individual, such as running away from home. "At-risk youth" is a broader category that encompasses juveniles who may be exposed to factors that could lead to criminal behavior but does not specifically define behaviors like truancy or disobedience.