The number of criminal offenses committed by 15 to 18-year-olds rose from 4,854 in 1991 to 5,067 in 1992 and 6,271 in 1993 (Source: Statistical Yearbook of the Slovak Republic, 1994. Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic. p. 437).

Growing crime among young people is related to an absence of an authentic system of values and minimal opportunities for recreational activities. The unpreparedness of young people to face the stratification in society is another factor. Young people tend to view social stratification as inequitable, and their attempts to cope with this view may lead to criminal behavior.

Crime can be directly related to growing unemployment, but also to benevolent social policies. School dropouts in the 14- to 15-year age group form groups which sometimes engage in criminal activities.

Young people in so-called "children's homes" constitute a risk group. In these state-run facilities are to be found orphans and, even more commonly, children whose parents and other relatives do not wish to take care of them, but also do not want to allow them to be put up for adoption. The education and training offered in these institutions do not tend to instill self- reliance and a sense of responsibility. Children leave these homes at 18 years of age. On departure, they are given a relatively large amount of money. This usually represents the first time in their lives that they must make decisions in matters of property. They typically try to return to their original neighborhoods, where frequently they are exposed to crime. However, these communities perceive young people who have been to children's homes as "aliens," especially in the case of Gypsy youngsters who often are not proficient in the language of their ethnic group. Typical behavior for the children is then to attempt to attract attention and gain status by other means, frequently through crime. To deal with crime, Slovak society unequivocally relies on repression rather than assistance or prevention.

Note: The conclusions in this section are based primarily on the opinions of Bohumil Chmelik, Milan Hegedus, Julius Hron, Peter Marianek, Stefan Matula, Peter Ondrejkovic and Milan Valica.