The authors examined predictors of offense severity, judicial disposition (e.g., diversion, prosecution, incarceration), and repeat offending. Data were obtained on approximately 100,000 individuals from the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. Whites and females were more likely to be prosecuted than Blacks and males, particularly for…

Cross-sectional data were gathered from 1,625 children (M age = 12.85, SD = 2.21) which included 755 AIDS orphans, 466 vulnerable children, and 404 comparison children. Participants completed self-report measures of exposure to traumatic events, and psychosocial adjustment including behavior problems, depression, self-esteem, and future…

Examined variations in female juvenile crime according to age, educational level, IQ, family structure, and geographical location. No significant relationships were found except a slight influence of age. Girls raised in mother-only homes committed a higher rate of violent crimes. (JAC)

Surveyed 813 adolescents to examine the relationship between father absence and adolescent drug use and sexual activity. Found that while adolescents were more likely to discuss problems with peers than parents, father absence was related to behavior problems, especially for boys. (JAC)

Evaluated the relationship of demographic, individual, and family relationship variables to criminal activity among juvenile offenders and their siblings. Socialized-aggressive disorder, as rated by the parent(s), the adolescent's age at first arrest, and several family relationship measures were significant predictors of arrest. (JAC)

According to data from national survey of 17,110 children under age 18, children living with single mothers or with mothers and stepfathers were more likely than those living with both biological parents to have repeated a grade, been expelled, been treated for emotional or behavioral problems, and to have elevated scores for behavioral problems…

The effects of fathers' absence from the home on their children's educational aptitude and achievement were studied for about 9,000 Swedish children from grade 6 to age 21 years, 15 percent of whom lived only with their mothers. Low achievement in the mathematical and technical spheres characterized those with no father in the home. (SLD)