NCJ Number
184485
Journal
Adolescence Volume: 34 Issue: 136 Dated: Winter 1999 Pages: 665-670
Date Published
1999
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study examines factors associated with parenting among incarcerated juvenile offenders.
Abstract
In regard to the injured offender, research indicates that violent victimization represents only one facet of a constellation of associated risks and consequences, including promiscuity and adolescent parenthood. A relationship between firearm injuries and self-reported promiscuity among incarcerated juvenile offenders has previously been noted. This study attempted to gain additional insight into the larger consequences of violent injuries. Information pertaining to the fathering of children was collected from 258 incarcerated male adolescents from the Richmond, VA, metropolitan area during a 2-year period. Twenty percent of the juvenile offenders had fathered at least one child. There was a significant relationship between firearm injuries and increased prevalence of adolescent parenting. Continued involvement in illegal activities, as indicated by a second commitment to a juvenile correctional center, also was associated with increased prevalence of adolescent parenting, while race and involvement in drug selling or violent offending were not. The article discusses the social and economic implications of these findings, particularly in terms of the health care and social service delivery systems. Table, references