NCJ Number
175141
Journal
Journal of Family Social Work Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: 1997 Pages: 73-85
Date Published
1997
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper provides an overview of the aspects of family dysfunction that increase the risk for juvenile delinquency and offers suggestions for social work intervention in four areas: identification of families at risk, early intervention, service delivery, and preventive education.
Abstract
A review of the literature consistently relates many aspects of family dysfunction to delinquent behavior. Among these are lack of rules and consistent discipline, lack of attachment, family conflict, instability, poor quality of home life, parental expectations, and out-of-home placements. These indicators are all common areas of intervention for social workers and can also serve as "red flags" in assessing families at risk for delinquency. Many families at risk will come to the attention of social workers, but many more will not. Daycare workers, pediatricians, and elementary teachers must be trained to identify indicators that a young child is at risk for future delinquent behavior. If the professional sees indicators of aggressive, withdrawn, or oppositional behavior, she/he can delve further into the home situation and make the appropriate referrals. Early intervention should focus on those areas of family dysfunction identified in the literature as most likely to spawn delinquent behavior in children. One of the newer and more successful methods in treating juvenile delinquency is home-based intensive treatment through such programs as Home Ties. In working with at-risk families, social workers can borrow some of the successful techniques used in these programs: behavior modification, values clarification, assertiveness training, rational emotive therapy, and client-centered therapy. Parent training groups are useful, but to increase participation, they need to meet some socio-emotional needs of parents and strongly support all positive efforts that parents make. 24 references