NCJ Number
183794
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 30 Issue: 1/2 Dated: 1999 Pages: 65-80
Date Published
1999
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The behaviors and social environments of 106 of 13- to 17-year-old African-American males in juvenile detention were compared with those of 106 not in juvenile detention, using age as the matching criterion.
Abstract
A modified version of the Children's Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism was used as the interview scale. Chi-square analyses showed significant differences in the relative proportion of adolescents in detention and those not in detention with respect to alcohol abuse and conduct disorder. Logistic regression analysis showed the following to increase the likelihood of being in detention: drinking alcohol and getting into fights; being suspended from school; being expelled from school; breaking into property; and being held back in school. On the other hand, mother's time spent with the child was found to decrease the likelihood of adolescents being in juvenile detention. These findings suggest that a significant amount of effort should be spent in helping youth in detention with their problem behaviors and in changing the socioeconomic environment that puts an extra burden on the family unit and parenting. Alcohol prevention should begin at an early age, and efforts should focus on keeping the basic family unit together and ensuring that the school system provides a good learning environment for youth. Mentoring and tutoring should be available for those who may need extra help. Of particular importance is the need for schools to improve their fostering of the development of positive behavioral and social skills in students. 2 tables and 59 references