Most states have enacted a law specifying factors judges are to consider when imposing criminal sentences on juvenile delinquents. These factors often include the following:

• The best interests of child
• Protection of society
• Whether the child has had previous problems at home or at school
• Whether the offense resulted from a temporary family crisis that can be resolved
• Whether other community resources are better suited to serve the child’s needs
• Attitudes of child and parent
• Age, maturity, and abilities
• Prior dependency or delinquency
• Recommendations by the referring party
• Attitudes of the victims