Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Melanye V. Smith

Abstract

In the United States, juvenile delinquent behavior has continued to rise despite attempts by the legal system and policymakers. Much of the research contributing to the understanding of juvenile delinquency and recidivism has been focused on risk factors believed to push an individual to show signs of delinquency. Limited research has been conducted to explain how policies affect juvenile behaviors. The current study examined risk factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency to determine if a factor may have been overlooked in prior juvenile studies. Based on anomie and strain theory, a qualitative method of general inquiry was used to gain a better understanding of the contributing factors to juvenile delinquency. Participants were fifteen individuals between the ages of 21 and 25 years of age who had committed delinquent acts as a juvenile while living in the southeastern region of Florida. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews obtained through participant referrals. Participant responses were recorded and transcribed for data analysis. Through manual coding emerging themes were identified based on participants’ views on issues that affected their decision-making process that led to the committing acts of delinquency. Findings indicate that policies put in place to combat delinquent behavior caused individuals to be combative and repeat delinquent acts the policies were meant to deter. This research can help with the policy implementation process and address how policies affect juvenile individuals. The results of this study can contribute to positive social change by bringing about more research in this field, and informing policymakers, community leaders, and the people being affected by implemented policies to address delinquent behavior.

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