The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on the Level of Juvenile Delinquency in Ukraine

Abstract

This article explores the socio-economic factors influencing the level of juvenile delinquency in Ukraine, considering regional disparities, the impact of martial law, and the effectiveness of institutional support mechanisms for minors. The relevance of the study is determined by the growing social vulnerability of children under conditions of war-induced destabilization, the increase in family dysfunction, limited access to quality social services, and the erosion of preventive structures for deviant behavior. The aim of the article is to analyze the relationship between socio-economic conditions and the spread of juvenile delinquency in Ukraine and to substantiate scientifically grounded and practically applicable mechanisms for its prevention. The methodological framework is based on a combination of systemic and structural-functional approaches that enable a comprehensive assessment of the interaction between macro- and micro-social determinants. Statistical methods were applied to process official regional crime data and to identify dynamic trends between 2017 and 2023. It was established that family disintegration, social exclusion, unstable living conditions, and the absence of coordinated interagency responses are key triggers of juvenile criminal behavior. Regional disparities in juvenile delinquency levels were identified and shown to correlate with the quality of local preventive infrastructure and social risk indicators. It is demonstrated that the overall decrease in officially registered offenses does not necessarily reflect a decline in deviant behavior but often results from the disruption of registration and response systems due to war. The study substantiates the need to implement case management models, enhance interagency cooperation, and introduce mobile social support units. The practical value of the article lies in outlining targeted directions for improving juvenile crime prevention policies within communities under crisis conditions. Future research should focus on developing indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive measures and examining the long-term effects of social stress on adolescent development.