Conduct Problems

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that juvenile delinquency is not a new issue for society. Property damage, theft and assault, are incidents that demonstrate a need for interventions. The writer maintains that intervention needs to be made for the youths' sake, parents' sake and society's sake. Victims call upon the system for protection and justice. The issue has been raised as to whether parents of youths involved in delinquent acts should be held responsible/liable for their children's misbehavior. The writer discusses that whether members of society are personally victims or not, there is a substantial cost associated with the conduct problems that society sustains each year. Members of society are very interested in having someone assume the responsibility for restitution for any costs incurred as a result of delinquency. The writer concludes that society needs to understand its role in both the problem and the solution. One needs to think and act like a community, rather than be concerned simply for oneself.

From the Paper:

"But is making parents liable the best course of action? What do parents do if all else fails, and a child's misbehavior (and the resulting costs) are seriously mounting? Consideration include: Counseling, Drug/alcohol rehabilitation, Tough-love camps, Support groups and Military school.
Our text maintains that because the above do not recognize and address the risk factors (abuse, family dysfunction, school expulsion, association with drug-using peers, residence in a high-crime area, and minimal parental supervision) that contribute to serious conduct problems they are often the least effective.
"When discussing whether the system should take over for parents that don't (or can't) do anything to punish or correct their children's destructiveness, it should be noted that out-of-home placements are shown to have little effectiveness and are also extremely expensive. Treatments methods and goals need to be individualized, based on age and type and severity of problem."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Mash, E.J., Wolfe, D.A. (2005). Abnormal child psychology (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomas Wadsworth
• http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/stat/P/01045_01.htm#section3
• http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/RaiseKids/YourKidsTroublesCanCostYouABundle.aspx

More papers on Conduct Problems:

• Research Paper # 54295 : "Treatment of Childhood and Adolescent Conduct Problems"
• Term Paper # 93803 : "Conduct Disorder"
• Essay # 27400 : "Conduct Disorder and Social Development"

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