Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Criminal Justice
Advisor
Yoshihnko Yoshimine
Abstract
AbstractYoung offenders aged 10 to 17 years have increasingly become involved with the juvenile justice system, causing concerns about their future prospects and their role in positively contributing to the prosperity of society, particularly in Maryland. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to provide detailed descriptions of the strategies that stakeholders in the juvenile criminal justice system and the offenders can use to reduce youth crime in Maryland. Cognitive-behavioral therapy theory provided the framework for the study. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with 11 probation officers from Maryland. Findings from thematic analysis demonstrated that some juvenile justice practitioners think that youths act out due to what they experienced in their environment and their relationships with their parents, and that youths’ behavior can change by providing corrective, nurturing relationships. Theme 1 was effective strategies must address risk factors for juvenile delinquency. Theme 2 was effective strategies have the potential to mitigate negative social impacts of juvenile delinquency. Theme 3 was counseling, family systems therapy, and social skills training are potentially effective strategies. Findings may be used to develop juvenile delinquency prevention policies and programs and to adapt relational treatment to provide an effective continuum of care for delinquent youths.
Recommended Citation
OBONNA, EBENEZER NWAEDOZIE, "Juvenile Probation Officers' Perceptions of Strategies to Reduce Juvenile Delinquency in Maryland" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 12491.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/12491
