NCJ Number
89637
Journal
Journal of Comparative Family Studies Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1982) Pages: 63-75
Date Published
1982
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined the family's role in preventing recidivism of first-time juvenile offenders by analyzing the case records of 60 male probationers, 30 recidivists and 30 nonrecidivists in the Melbourne, Australia, area.
Abstract
Nonrecidivists are much more likely to come from families with positive family functioning than are recidivists. Data indicate that family functioning predicts correctly close to 90 percent of the cases regarding behavior of the juvenile while on probation. Household practices, physical care of children, and health practices have little effect on offender rehabilitation. The positive effects on offender rehabilitation of expressive behavior within the home and the family's social network only exert a rehabilitative influence in relation to the family's contacts with outside bodies such as work, school, and social agencies. The most common denominator of positive outcome is expressive acceptance and support of the delinquent family member. Study implications, a few data tables, 18 references, and the family resocialization scale are included.