NCJ Number
80009
Date Published
1980
Length
156 pages
Annotation
The dissertation investigates whether legal processing of delinquent juveniles increases the likelihood of subsequent delinquent behavior and whether individual variables such as good parental relationships, positive school experiences, and poor self-images affect the degree of juveniles' penetration into the system.
Abstract
The study sample consists of 101 juveniles between the ages of 12 and 17 who resided in a semirural community and who had been or were about to be processed by the juvenile justice system. Structured interviews were designed to measure the involvement of subjects in delinquent activities. Results are analyzed statistically. Findings indicate that the juvenile justice system does increase subsequent delinquent behavior even if only slightly. Generally, good parental relationships and positive school experiences tend to reduce juveniles' contact with the criminal justice system, while low self-estem increases the likelihood of juveniles' penetration into the system. Specifically, legal proceedings tend to decrease the quality of the father-son relationship, which in turn is associated with delinquent behavior. A negative association also exists between youth's perceptions of other adults, such as teachers and police officers, and subsequent delinquent behavior. Results also suggest that the process of apprehension may in itself be a very negative event that provokes continued delinquency. Tables, figures, and appendixes containing sample instruments and technical information are supplied.