1. Juvenile
Delinquency &
Family Dynamics
Jennifer Siler | FCS 4845-600
Includes a variety of
behaviors, identifies risks
and preventions, and
application of theories
using various programs
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2. Statistics
– Between ages 6-11 children are most vulnerable at developing delinquent behaviors towards
adolescence
– There is a direct link with high school dropouts and juvenile delinquents
– Nearly half of high school seniors reported using an illicit drug at least once
– The peak time for juvenile crimes is between 3pm to 4pm
– There are more adolescents living in poverty than adults
– In 2008 there was approximately 73 million juvenile delinquents in the U.S.
– In 2008 about 60% of children experienced violence, crimes, or abuse in their environments.
– The most successful programs have been those that prevent juvenile delinquency, improve
family interactions, and provide skills training to the parents.
(Puzzanchera & Sickmund, 2014)
3. Predictors of Delinquency
– conflict with authority
– property damage
– negative identity
– low degree of self-control
– cognitive distortions
– peer influences
– the sex is a male
– low expectations in education
– early onset of antisocial behavior
– low socioeconomic status
– aggression such as fighting and
violence
– ineffective parenting with little
support and lack of monitoring
– having an older sibling that is a
delinquent
– neighborhood quality such as
urban and high crime areas.
– Witnessed family violence or
suffered from abuse
(APA, 2003)
(Mason, Hitchings, & Spoth, 2007)
4. Risky Behaviors
– Juvenile delinquency is something that
includes a variety of behaviors that vary
from socially unacceptable behavior to
status offenses and even criminal acts.
– Status offenses are less serious acts such
as running away, truancy, underage
drinking, sexual promiscuity, and they are
classified to youth under a specified age.
– Criminal acts include theft, vandalism,
robbery, aggravated assault, rape, and
homicide.
For most juvenile delinquents,
studies found that that there
was less likely a chance of
rearrests when they increased
the quality of services,
positive experiences in
institutions, community based
supervision, and after care
programs. Adolescents were
more likely to stay in school
and go to work because of the
programs developed for them. (National Institute of Justice)
5. Domestic Violence, Abuse,
& Neglect in Families
– Most children experiencing domestic violence, abuse, and neglect result in poor
behavior, such as juvenile delinquency, anti-social behavior, aggression, anxiety, and
depression.
– Violence in families is becoming more serious and costly every year, affecting the
costs of: Juvenile delinquency, special education, mental health care, adult criminal
costs, and other medical bills.
– Long-term results of children exposed to child abuse and neglect can result in
maladaptive behaviors at school, lower functioning of social skills, and in general
they function at a much lower level when it comes to psychological, cognitive, and
developmental areas.
– There are links between substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and juvenile delinquency.
This can lead to adolescents lacking self-control and self-regulation in coping skills.
(National Institute of Justice)
(Mason, Hitchings, & Spoth, 2007)
6. Programs to help
Juvenile Delinquents
There are many programs available in each state to
help prevent and treat adolescents at early
onset of delinquent behaviors
Click here to see a video
about summer programs
7. Families & Schools
Together (FAST)
– Focuses on the families, schools, and communities surrounding the child by
creating partnerships and building relationships.
– Early on prevention tools to promote success for individuals in the community,
at home, and in school. Prevention of delinquency, addiction, violence, and
dropping out of school.
– Primarily designed to treat at risk children ages 4-12 and their families
– Based on theories: Social ecology of child development, child psychiatry, family
stress, family systems, social support, family therapy, parent-led play therapy,
group work, adult education, and community development.
(National Institute of Justice)
Visit FAST website
FAST Video
(National Institute of Justice)
8. Adolescent Community
Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA)
– Uses a social ecological approach, meaning that adolescents are responding to
their environments with their behavior. Includes family, friends, community, and
socioeconomic status.
– The idea is to improve the environment and provide positive support with
structured parenting and provide basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing.
– The program always enforces positive reinforcement
– Designed for treating alcohol and substance abuse problems. The point is for
juveniles to learn that their life is much better in this environment versus living
on drugs and alcohol.
(Meyers & Squires, 2001)
9. Adults in Making (AIM)
– Incorporates the Social Cognitive Theory and Stress-coping Therapy
– Social Cognitive Theory focuses on the behavior of the adolescent as a consequence of life
stress and negative life events
– Stress-Coping Therapy is based upon positive interaction and support from family and
friends which are more inclined to promote healthy problem-solving skills in adolescents
– Parents were taught the appropriate ways to support and understand their adolescents and
demonstrated their training with them
– The youth were taught skills such as setting goals for the future, learning to cope
with racial discrimination, and developed self-care strategies. There were youth
groups for them to participate in healthy discussions, role-playing, and activities.
– This program focuses on education and towards a career in order to prevent risky
behavior
(Office of Justice Programs)
10. Chain Gangs
– There are programs in jail where juveniles are chained together at the ankles
and work outside for 8 hours a day and 6 days a week.
– This forces them to accept all people including other races, which is a major
problem in urban areas, jails, and prison.
– It is strictly voluntary and they have to show good behavior and cannot have an
extensive history of crime.
– Juveniles are rehabilitated by providing them high school credits for the
program and allowing them to work outside with fresh air versus isolation in jail
– The program protects the juveniles from murderers and rapists by keeping them
in a separate area.
(Ford, 2013)
Click Here to see Chain Gang Video
