Abstract
There are many different variables that affect a future criminal offender; however, one factor that is consistent in the research is the importance of family variables and the likelihood they have on the development of delinquency. This study focused on three main family factors that affect juvenile delinquency: self-control, household type, and parenting styles. This thesis explored juvenile probation officers’ opinions about family variables and their impact on juvenile delinquency, and how juvenile probation officers’ opinions correlate with what the literature has stated. Sources of Data Data were collected by having juvenile probation officers from two different counties in northern California fill out questionnaires. Questionnaires were distributed to senior deputy probation officers and they distributed the questionnaires to the probation officers in their county. The questionnaires were individual and anonymous and consisted of nine closed ended, four open ended opinion questions, and six demographic questions. Conclusions Reached It was concluded that regardless of the probation officer’s level of education or years of experience, most juvenile probation officers understood the impact that family characteristics have on juvenile delinquency. This main finding that juvenile probation officers generally endorse what the literature has found on family variables and juvenile delinquency might be due to their receiving adequate training, or because the importance of family characteristics such as self-control, household type, and parenting styles are obvious enough that it is common knowledge. However, this study did find that the higher the level of education the probation officer has, the more likely he or she will agree with what the literature has stated about a parent’s level of self-control contributing to juvenile delinquency. Overall, it was concluded that probation officers are aware of the family characteristics that influence juvenile delinquency as found in the empirical literature, and can use their knowledge to make appropriate referrals to community resources.