Attributions of Delinquency by Delinquent Minors, Their Families, and Probation Officers

In the juvenile justice system important decisions are based on how responsibility for the minor's behavior is perceived. A survey instrument was administered to delinquent minors, their families, and probation officers in order to compare their attributions of responsibility for the minors' delinquency. All three groups saw the minor, the family and friends as the three factors most responsibile for delinquency, but in varying degrees and combinations. This research demonstrates the importance of studying the perceptions of different groups involved in the juvenile justice system.