Child neglect as a precursor to juvenile delinquency in Latino families.

摘要

Each year, about 3.3 million child abuse reports are made in the United States, with child neglect accounting for 78.3% of the reports that are taken. Child neglect can lead to adverse consequences in children, such as delinquent behaviors, poorer scholastic achievement and social relationship difficulties. Children living in poverty and who are from a minority background are more likely to experience neglect and/or abuse. Thus, Latino children may be at a greater risk of becoming victims of neglect due to their minority background and higher probability of living in poverty, which increases their likelihood of engaging in delinquency as adolescents and criminal activity as adults. In fact, Latino youth accounted for more than half of all arrests in 2012. Understanding the various cultural influences, adaptation processes, and family dynamics that protect and contribute to neglect and delinquency in Latino families is important in tailoring treatment interventions to fit the cultural needs of Latino families. Review of the literature and interviews with field consultants suggest that parent-adolescent acculturation discrepancy levels, familial factors, and parenting impact the development of delinquency in Latino adolescents.