Family Risk Factors In Juvenile Delinquency

Families play a vital role in the development of our youth. Studies done on juvenile delinquency have shown that the family environment can present either a risk or protective factor. According to Beaver (2013) families that have one child that has antisocial or criminal behavior are statistically more likely to have a sibling who will imitate similar characteristics, raising the likelihood that they will additionally engage in crime. I have found through my research that as the number of risk factors at which adolescents are exposed to increase, the probability that they will engage in delinquent behaviors increases. The presence of one risk factor may promote the existence of another risk factor, which may then in return lead to a greater

Risk Factors include, ineffective or parental behavior, poor supervision, lack of support, or overly aggressive, controlling, inconsistent or overly strict discipline, lack of affection, and child parenting bonding, as well as the inability to set clear limits between parent and child. Parental, sibling, or close family relatives, which have partaken in criminal activity, and have a history. Reoccurring family conflicts, neglect and mistreatment during childhood, and often been a victim of, or witness to, violence, physical and or sexual or psychological abuse, As well as signs of parental substance and alcohol abuse. All these factors have shown to contribute to the factors related to the family dynamics and functioning, which may lead to these negative adolescent

It ultimately affects parents, neighbors, teachers, and families. As well it affects the victims of crime, the perpetrators, and the bystanders; it often has a domino effect. When it comes to prevention of these behaviors and acts, there are many things that can be done to prevent this behavior from occurring. Starting with the family protective factors preventing against juvenile delinquency includes relationship based on family bond, a positive support within the family, adequate parental supervision, closeness between parents and children, showing affection, and emotions. Parents and guardians need to have consistent disciplinary methods and adequate parental behavior and practices. Family characteristics which include the parental level of education, and their financial stability and stability of the family unit, by seeking further education and or outside guidance or counseling and support to help with conflicts, and or skills to address family