NCJ Number
113458
Date Published
1988
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews trends, research, and theory that link family-life factors to the possibility of future involvement in crime and delinquency as well as the impact criminal involvement may have on the family.
Abstract
Data from the Uniform Crime Reports and the National Crime Panel reveal that the problem of violence within the family is a continuing and serious issue. Homicides, for example, are most likely to occur among family members, friends, and other acquaintances. Spouse and child abuse are relatively frequent occurrences, and there is evidence that those abused as children are more likely than others to become future abusers. Some research suggests that family violence is linked to nonfamily violence and crime (Straus, 1985). Farrington and colleagues found that if one or more family members have a criminal conviction, a juvenile family member has an increased risk of acquiring a criminal record. Although research on the family has not revealed consistent findings, evidence suggests that certain family factors may increase the risk for delinquent and criminal behavior. These factors include divorce and single-parent homes, inappropriate parental discipline, poor supervision, lack of positive attachment to parents, and large family size. Contextual conditions such as extreme poverty and unemployment may also interact with family characteristics in correlation with criminal behavior.