This study was predicated on the belief that a father brings something unique to the family, thus, making irreplaceable contributions to the life of a child. Fathers are unique in that they provide something different from mothers. They are irreplaceable because when they are absent, children are said to suffer emotionally, intellectually, socially, and behaviorally. The contributions of fathers to a child's well being cannot be fully replaced by better programming, ensuring child support programs, or even by well-intentioned mentoring programs. A review of literature relevant to delinquency and adolescent behavioral and academic success revealed that there may be a correlation between a male role-model and the teaching of self-control and socially appropriate behaviors. Indeed, much of what the large body of research pertaining to fatherhood reveals is that, compared to children raised in two-parent homes, children who grow up without their fathers have significantly worse outcomes, on average, on almost every measure of well being (Horn, 2002). In addition, an understanding of the factors that may influence delinquent behaviors, in particular within the family unit, can better equip parents and educators to support those who may be exhibiting the beginning signs of delinquent behavior. This study was designed to determine the influence of, or correlation between, juvenile delinquency and the presence or absence of a father-figure in a child's life. Responses made on the Delinquency Check List between two sample sets, delinquent and non-delinquent adolescents, were examined. The study attempted to determine if delinquent activity among adolescents was differentiated by the absence or presence of a father-figure in a child's life. This study also investigated the frequency and severity of delinquent activities between adolescents in the determined sample groups.

A criminalidade é um problema recorrente de grande relevância, o engajamento delituoso de jovens é um fenômeno preocupante e alarmante, de acentuado impacto na sociedade. A população, em geral, tende a acreditar que os jovens estão cada vez mais perigosos e envolvidos no agir antissocial. Faz-se necessário a realização de pesquisas que desvendem a problemática e busquem alternativas e possíveis soluções. No âmbito internacional, os questionários de delinquência autorrevelada são considerados o método mais seguro para indicar a prevalência e frequência de comportamentos delituosos entre os jovens. O objetivo do presente estudo foi, em termos gerais, conhecer o comportamento divergente e delituoso de adolescentes estudantes de instituições de ensino privadas, investigando a associação do fenômeno a variáveis potencialmente relacionadas e ampliar pesquisa anterior realizada junto a jovens de instituições de ensino públicas. Participaram do estudo 324 adolescentes, do sexo masculino, estudantes de três escolas particulares. Foi aplicado o Questionário sobre Comportamentos Juvenis, um instrumento de autorrelato que aborda questões relativas à família, escola, rotina, pares, local de residência e comportamentos divergentes e delituosos. Os resultados indicaram que 60,80% da amostra relatou já ter praticado algum comportamento delituoso e 68,88% algum comportamento divergente. O comportamento delituoso mais frequente foi a lesão corporal, seguido de dano. Quanto aos comportamentos divergentes 52,5% dos adolescentes declararam já ter consumido bebidas alcoólicas. Os adolescentes foram agrupados em 5 clusters de acordo com o nível de engajamento criminal, concluiu-se que 11,11% dos jovens são responsáveis por 81% dos delitos revelados praticados nos últimos 12 meses. Esses são aqueles de engajamento mais grave e que se diferenciaram dos outros agrupamentos pela idade de primeiro delito, pela diversidade e volume de delitos praticados. / Criminality is a relevant social problem. Juvenile delinquency is a worrying and alarming phenomenon with many impacts on society. The population, in general, Believes that young people are increasingly involved on antisocial behaviours. Studies about this, is necessary to looking for alternatives and possible solutions. In international level. Self-Reported delinquency are considered the best method to indicate the delinquency behaviors prevalence and frequency. The aim of the present study is to know the self-reported delinquency in private schools young boys; investigating the association of the phenomenon with potentially related variables and expanding previous research carried out with youngsters of public educational institutions. Thirty-four adolescents, male, private schoolss students from three participated in the study. The Self Reported Delinquency was applied; its a self-report questionnaire that investigating about family, school, routine, peers, place of residence and divergent and criminal behavior. The results indicated that 60.80% of the sample reported some delinquent behavior and 68.88% some problem behavior. The most frequent criminal behavior was hurt someone, followed by damage. Regarding divergent behaviors, 52.5% of adolescents reported having consumed alcoholic beverages. The adolescents were grouped into 5 clusters according to the level of criminal engagement, it was concluded that 11.11% of young people are responsible for 81% of de delinquency practiced in the last 12 months. These group (5) have more serious engagement and that differ from others, about age, diversity and frequency.

A criminalidade é um problema recorrente de grande relevância, o engajamento delituoso de jovens é um fenômeno preocupante e alarmante, de acentuado impacto na sociedade. A população, em geral, tende a acreditar que os jovens estão cada vez mais perigosos e envolvidos no agir antissocial. Faz-se necessário a realização de pesquisas que desvendem a problemática e busquem alternativas e possíveis soluções. No âmbito internacional, os questionários de delinquência autorrevelada são considerados o método mais seguro para indicar a prevalência e frequência de comportamentos delituosos entre os jovens. O objetivo do presente estudo foi, em termos gerais, conhecer o comportamento divergente e delituoso de adolescentes estudantes de instituições de ensino privadas, investigando a associação do fenômeno a variáveis potencialmente relacionadas e ampliar pesquisa anterior realizada junto a jovens de instituições de ensino públicas. Participaram do estudo 324 adolescentes, do sexo masculino, estudantes de três escolas particulares. Foi aplicado o Questionário sobre Comportamentos Juvenis, um instrumento de autorrelato que aborda questões relativas à família, escola, rotina, pares, local de residência e comportamentos divergentes e delituosos. Os resultados indicaram que 60,80% da amostra relatou já ter praticado algum comportamento delituoso e 68,88% algum comportamento divergente. O comportamento delituoso mais frequente foi a lesão corporal, seguido de dano. Quanto aos comportamentos divergentes 52,5% dos adolescentes declararam já ter consumido bebidas alcoólicas. Os adolescentes foram agrupados em 5 clusters de acordo com o nível de engajamento criminal, concluiu-se que 11,11% dos jovens são responsáveis por 81% dos delitos revelados praticados nos últimos 12 meses. Esses são aqueles de engajamento mais grave e que se diferenciaram dos outros agrupamentos pela idade de primeiro delito, pela diversidade e volume de delitos praticados. / Criminality is a relevant social problem. Juvenile delinquency is a worrying and alarming phenomenon with many impacts on society. The population, in general, Believes that young people are increasingly involved on antisocial behaviours. Studies about this, is necessary to looking for alternatives and possible solutions. In international level. Self-Reported delinquency are considered the best method to indicate the delinquency behaviors prevalence and frequency. The aim of the present study is to know the self-reported delinquency in private schools young boys; investigating the association of the phenomenon with potentially related variables and expanding previous research carried out with youngsters of public educational institutions. Thirty-four adolescents, male, private schoolss students from three participated in the study. The Self Reported Delinquency was applied; its a self-report questionnaire that investigating about family, school, routine, peers, place of residence and divergent and criminal behavior. The results indicated that 60.80% of the sample reported some delinquent behavior and 68.88% some problem behavior. The most frequent criminal behavior was hurt someone, followed by damage. Regarding divergent behaviors, 52.5% of adolescents reported having consumed alcoholic beverages. The adolescents were grouped into 5 clusters according to the level of criminal engagement, it was concluded that 11.11% of young people are responsible for 81% of de delinquency practiced in the last 12 months. These group (5) have more serious engagement and that differ from others, about age, diversity and frequency.