NCJ Number
141525
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 19k Issue: 1/2 Dated: (1993) Pages: 113-130
Date Published
1993
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Based on a theoretical model integrating social control with social learning concepts, this study investigated whether a community-based juvenile delinquency prevention program (JDPP) can be effective with multiple-problem, at- risk youth.
Abstract
Parents or parent surrogates of a sample of 18 juvenile clients were interviewed by telephone using a semistructured questionnaire to measure perceived changes in behaviors and attitudes following participation in a community-based JDPP. Consistent with the theoretical framework of the social development model, Hirschi's four social bonds (attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief) were used as criterion variables. The community-based JDPP served as the independent variable. Improved school achievement was reported by 77.8 percent of parents after participation in JDPP; 72.2 percent of parents noted an increase in children's interest in school. Several other areas were also perceived as considerably improved: willingness to help at home, time spent doing homework, hopefulness about the future, communication ability, and amount of time spent talking with parents. Overall, the study indicated that parents perceive significant changes in the behavior and attitudes of children after participation in a community- based JDPP. An appendix lists the interview questionnaire items and response categories. 13 references and 3 tables