NCJ Number
74596
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1980) Pages: 311-328
Date Published
1980
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Results are reported from a Canadian study of a juvenile delinquent sample that examines the relationship between sex and background and delinquency histories.
Abstract
The subjects 1,432 juveniles referred to Toronto's Family Court Clinic in 1975, 1976, and 1977. The sample contained 1,150 males and 382 females with an age range of 7 to 16 years. Data were drawn from the clinic's intake information form, which includes demographic information, previous police and court contact, developmental history, social behavior, school history, and parental information. In addition, a 54-item checklist of symptoms and problem behavior was completed separately by one parent of each juvenile and the subjects. All items were analyzed by sex, using either chi-square tests of analysis of variance according to a linear model for categorical data. Duncan's multiple range tests were performed with the analysis of variance in order to isolate groups of significantly different means. Results showed the boys tended to be charged with offenses that were committed with others and would be considered adult crimes; girls tended to be charged with offenses committed alone which would not be criminal if committed by an adult (status offenses). The boys had more serious delinquency histories than the girls, and the girls were more likely than the boys to be referred by social agencies or school personnel. The boys' symptoms were of longer standing and with a more likely organic basis than the girls' symptoms, and they were more likely to be externally directed. Possible reasons for these differences according to sex are discussed. Tabular and graphic data are provided, along with approximately 45 references.