NCJ Number
197674
Date Published
2002
Length
8 pages
Annotation
In considering intrafamilial causes and correlates of juvenile delinquency, this chapter discusses child maltreatment and delinquency; intergenerational violence, child abuse, and delinquency; broken homes and delinquent behavior; and family behavioral and structural characteristics and delinquency.
Abstract
There is strong documentation for a correlation between child abuse and neglect and juvenile delinquency. Criminologists believe that violence perpetrated by parents upon their children encourages children to act out in aggressive or violent behavior what they have experienced. The link between child sexual abuse and juvenile sex offenders such as rapists, child molesters, and prostitutes may be even more persuasive than with child physical abuse. Further, extreme child disciplinary practices by parents have been found by a number of studies to be related to juvenile antisocial behavior. The transmission of violence and abuse from generation to generation as predictive of delinquent behavior has received strong support. Some studies have shown a correlation between broken homes and delinquency in relation to variables such as age, sex, family structure, and substance abuse; however, for some criminologists, the impact of the broken home on delinquent behavior remains inconclusive. Dissention and conflict in a marriage have been found to be important factors in the onset of delinquency among youth, and parental affection and parenting have been documented as critical factors in the likelihood of juvenile delinquent behavior. Other familial factors important in fostering delinquent behavior pertain to marital discord and conflict, the quality of parental affection and parenting, and family structure (large family, children with younger and older siblings, and family socioeconomic status).