Studies show that there are about 8 basic componets that determine if a child will continue delinquent behavior or make a change. If we can address these components the child has a better chance of making it out. Some of these items may be a greater need. You want to focus on the one that is greatest and the ones the young person is willing to tackle.
1. Criminal History The less involvement a child has in breaking the law the better they will be in changing their ways. If a child has a great deal of criminal history the chance of change gets slimmer. You can not change the past behavior but you can try to prevent future delinquency.
2. Education Poor education, low grades, suspensions and expulsions can determine future delinquent behavior. If a young person is doing poorly in this area tutoring, a new school, home schooling may be in order.
3. Family If the young person has "family problems" there is a greater chance of delinquency. divorce, parents who are neglectful or abusive. Even if there is no apparent family problems the young person may perceive the family as a problem. This should be addressed. Family counseling may be beneficial.
4. Leisure and Recreation Idle time is the devil's playground. Young people should be involved in organized recreation activities: sports, music, video game competions etc. It is not about what they are doing but that they are doing enough to keep their interest and stay out of trouble.
5. Companions The more criminal companions young people have the more delinquent they tend to be. On the other hand the more pro-social companions a young person has the better they will
avoid delinquent behavior. Therefore you want to increase the number of pro-social friends a person has. This may include switching schools, allowing the young person to spend time with pro-social friends, mentors, christian camps, christian clubs etc. This is why I am not a big fan of Bootcamps because it increases the young persons exposure to criminal companions.
6. Alcohol and Drugs If the young person is involved in alcohol and drugs this can greatly increase liklihood of future criminal behavior. Substance abuse can quickly start a delinquent snowball that can take years to slow down. Drug Testing, Alcohol and Drug Awareness classes, Alateen are good resources.
7. Pro-crimianl Attitude This means the young person thinks its ok to do drugs, steal something, break the law as long as they do not get caught. Pro-criminal attitudes can be address by increasing empathy. (Showing how their delinquent behavior effects other people)
8. Antisocial Patterns This means young people like to fight against the norm. They make choices not consistent with their normal enviorment or they make choices in which society frowns on. Antisocail patterns can be challenged through non-confrontation discussion. Challenge their faulty logic and let them chew on it. Its not telling them right or wrong but giving them things to think about. A good cognitive behavior counselor can do this outside the home in conjunction with what parents do inside.
Daybreak Counseling Service
Shannon Munford M.A.
www.daybreakservices.com
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