NCJ Number
108295
Journal
Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1987) Pages: 65-86
Date Published
1987
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This report describes methodological issues and experiences in applying survey research methods to a population that is difficult and hard to reach: the parents of adjudicated juvenile prostitutes.
Abstract
The research used a population of families of 75 young women who had passed through a juvenile court program for female prostitutes. Two survey instruments were developed. The first was a 'family contact' form on which interviewers documented their experiences in obtaining the interviews following the guidelines provided for reaching out to these parents. The second form was an 'interviewer experience' form on which interviewers recorded their reactions to the parents as people. As the research progressed, the realization that a full response rate would be impossible led to the development of a third instrument, which was filled out by the court social worker and permitted comparisons between the interviewed families and the others. Thirty-three usable interviews were obtained. Most of the youths were not living at home, and 68.8 percent were being raised in single-parent families at the time of adjudication. The research showed the difficulty of reaching these families and the existence of severe problems in many families. Nevertheless, the parents appeared to be relatively open and truthful and to demonstrate concern for their daughters. Findings suggest that a family-focused service is possible for working with this population. Tables and 5 references.