NCJ Number
140504
Journal
Children and Youth Services Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: (1990) Pages: 193-212
Date Published
1990
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Data from 159 families referred for juvenile status offenses or juvenile delinquency in 8 family-based prevention programs in 6 states were analyzed to determine family characteristics, service characteristics, and case outcomes.
Abstract
Most of the cases were opened between 1982 and 1985. Data was collected by means of a survey of social workers and a review of family case records. Results revealed a high incidence of parent-child, marital, and family relationship problems. In addition, family-based services were more successful in preventing out-of-home placements if the highest-risk child attended most or all of the treatment sessions and was enrolled in a regular class in school. Drug abuse was the most important predictor of placement in delinquency cases, and prior placement was the most important predictor in status offense cases. Three-quarters of the families were intact at the time their case was closed, with office-based programs in public agencies having the lowest placement rates. Findings support the use of family-based services for juvenile justice problems. Tables and 38 references