The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

of these families and kids but I am not as hopeful as I once was.
319
I felt (when I was hired) that I would be expected in some ways to be more
of a superior/monitor type person and now I see it more as an advocacy—
type job. You’re more advocating than you are being a tough guy or the
enforcer. A real big focus is looking out for the welfare of the kid.
On the other hand, the emphasis on the legal orientation is perceived to have
resulted in an increased ability to be more effective in their job. These individuals
contend they are now able to take into account such things as the needs of the child and
society. Personnel must look more closely at youths’ background to justify requirements
as stipulated by state statute. Thus, these people believe they are getting more at the root
of the problem.
Views of Delinquency
Decision makers believed that delinquency is influenced by more than one factor.
The rehabilitation orientation in this county reflects the view that delinquency is caused
by living in a high crime neighborhood (93 percent responded very to somewhat
important), substance abuse (100 percent responded very to somewhat important), being
poor (78 percent responded very to somewhat important), and a victim of child abuse
(100 percent responded very to somewhat important). Other factors cited as contributing
to delinquency included: having a natural tendency for delinquent behavior, media
advertising of material possessions, inability to control impulses, and few job
opportunities.