Family background and family patterns of juvenile delinquents : a study of the families of 58 juvenile delinquents who were receiving services on March 31, 1960

Abstract

This thesis is based on a study of 176 juvenile delinquents known to the Department of Public Welfare, Halifax Regional Office, who were receiving service on March 31, 1960. It was part of a group study carried out by the second year students of the Maritime School of Social Work. Primary data were obtained through a research schedule and were gathered by the group as a whole from the case records at the Department of Public Welfare and the Nova Scotia School for Boys at Shelburne. Secondary data consisted of bibliographical material and information obtained through interviews with experts in the allied fields. This particular study was concerned with the families of 58 delinquents. The families were studied in relation to the marital situation and the economic and social factors which existed. The incidence of delinquency and the type of crimes committed were briefly considered. Instability was revealed in the majority of these families. Unsatisfactory living conditions were a trend in the group. However, the majority of the fathers were employed at occupations that would supply them with an adequate income. Recommendations were made in relation to these problems with an emphasis on a continued and greater effort to be made in strengthening family life.