OUR CHILDREN TODAY

American society faces an abundance of new problems and an increased level of stress as a result, which has a significant effect on our nation’s adolescents. Youths, by their very nature, are extremely vulnerable to experiencing emotional turmoil and anxiety when faced with instability in their homes and schools. Many people view youths as becoming uncontrollable, no longer abiding by the rules of their parents and homes. They may frequently contradict the wishes of their parents and openly disrespect their teachers. These sorts of characterizations are consistent with delinquent behavior in youths.

Delinquent behavior associated with youths has become a pressing problem in the United States. This is problem is highlighted by the fact that approximately 2.3 million juveniles are arrested annually, according the Office of Juvenile Justice. Research conducted by Patterson, DeBaryshe, and Ramsey (1989) describe the process of delinquent behavior as beginning with a lack of positive family interaction, leading to school failure and social rejection, then leading to associations with deviant peer groups. A study conducted by Juvenile Justice shows that family management factors have the best ability to predict current and future delinquency in juveniles, followed by the identification of child behavioral problems and academic performance.