Although the population of juveniles in California has increased by about 22 percent since 1997, the number of juvenile arrests has decreased by 14 percent.

Juvenile felony arrests declined by about 20 percent between 1997 and 2007, from about 83,000 arrests in 1997 to 66,000 arrests a decade later.

There is no consensus among researchers as to why juvenile arrest rates are much lower. One possible explanation is the implementation of more effective prevention and intervention programs. In addition, some of the same factors that have led to declining crime rates nationwide—such as increased law enforcement personnel and economic factors—may have contributed to the decline in juvenile crime.