Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Barbara Benoliel

Abstract

African American, female youth remain overrepresented in juvenile detention centers. Parental involvement has been identified as a major factor in the success of a youth’s reintegration into the community post detention; however, there is limited information about the experiences of parents/guardians of African American female youth during reintegration. The purpose of this generic, qualitative study was to gain insight and understanding regarding the reported reintegration experiences of parents/guardians of African American teenage daughters returning, home post detention, regarding their role development as parents/guardians during that time. The theoretical framework for this study is parent development theory (PDT) developed by Dr. Barbara Mowder, which highlights that a parent’s social role is developed over time. Data collected from semistructed, virtual interviews of 10 participants who self-identified as human service, social service, or social work professionals working with the target population were coded and analyzed using content analysis to identify themes. Findings suggested that (a) parents/guardians struggle with their role and development during their daughters' reintegration, (b) professionals’ have their own perceptions of parents/guardians’ experiences that lead to struggles during reintegration, and (c) there are disparities between biological parents/guardians and foster parents/guardians in their responses to their daughters' during reintegration. This study may impact social change by informing professionals of the potential experiences of clients and families, which could lead to further study and use of evidenced-based-strategies and models to assist not only the youth, but the parent/guardian and entire household.

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