Home is where it hurts : the nuclear family as a risk factor for the contribution of delinquency

Abstract

This study explores the influence that the family may have in the development of delinquent and criminal behaviour and attempts to identify related core issues. Although there are several relevant variables, this study focuses mainly on: low levels of parental support, lack of affection between family members (particularly that shown by parents), poor supervision and monitoring, conflict between parents, poor attachment and disruptive child rearing. All of these aspects of family interaction are crucial to the upbringing of a child and could ultimately lead to delinquent behaviour if the family is dysfunctional. Previous research done in Malta indicated that poor parent-child attachment along with low levels of parental involvement, supervision and discipline increase the risk of criminal involvement (Aquilina, Audino, 2003). Results from this study show that offenders reflect the behaviours they learn in that environment. A qualitative approach was deemed ideal to obtain a deeper understanding of the participants' subjective perceptions and interpretation. Consequently in-depth interviews were carried out with twenty probationers (persons serving a community based sanction under the supervision of the Department of Probation and Parole) aged between 18 and 25 years. Seven professionals closely connected to the criminal justice field were also interviewed to gauge their perceptions in relation to family and crime. From the data collected, the family emerged as an important contributor to the delinquent involvement of sample involved. It emerges that many participants experienced low levels of support, lack of affection and poor supervision and monitoring among other things.