Family Dysfunction and Youth Violence

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the idea that a program focused on deterring separation and divorce, will eventually lead to a decrease in juvenile delinquency. The paper illustrates the evident link between broken homes and increased rates of criminal offense, but emphasizes that this is only one of many issues which can be equally predictive of delinquency. The paper provides a more comprehensive solution to the problem, that of a family intervention program. This program is briefly outlined.

From the Paper:

"According to Juby and Farrington (2001), research concerning the impact of marital breakdown on the delinquency rates of juveniles has increased dramatically since the 1960s. While studies do show a definite link between broken homes and increased rates of criminal offending, the data is not substantial enough to warrant a program that should be focused on deterring separation and divorce. The majority of studies in this area point to single parent homes being one of many factors contributing to increased delinquency, and also show that high conflict two-parent homes can be equally predictive of delinquency (Juby & Farrington, 2001). It, therefore, appears that family intervention programs would better serve the goal of decreased crime rates if one were to focus on increasing parental engagement in the lives of their children, reducing family conflict and violence, and early intervention programs that provide support and education to families in need."

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