NCJ Number
129999
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: (1991) Pages: 81-91
Date Published
1991
Length
11 pages
Annotation
A self-administered questionnaire was answered by 192 youth corrections professionals working in Utah, a State in which least-restrictive and deinstitutionalization policies appear to be well entrenched. The study examines three hypotheses: that respondents would view the juvenile crime problem as serious and worsening; would see family dysfunction, school achievement, and peer influence as significant correlates of youth crime; and would support the retention of least-restrictive and deinstitutionalization policies.
Abstract
The first hypothesis was borne out by the study; female respondents perceived the juvenile crime problem to be more serious and worsening than did their male colleagues. The five factors rated to be most highly correlated to youth crime by these professionals were largely related to family dysfunction: alcoholism/drug dependency, childhood abuse and neglect, inadequate skills of parents, criminal parents or siblings, and low self-esteem. The third hypothesis was strongly refuted as these respondents believed that punishment and acceptance of individual responsibility are essential components of youth corrections. 5 tables, 2 notes, and 42 references (Author abstract modified)