Family Disengagement of Youth Offenders: Implications for Counselors

Abstract

This study investigated the differences among youth offenders for family engagement (as measured by the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales—III) and conduct-disordered behaviors (as measured by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [4th ed., text revision] criteria) by means of the Youth Comprehensive Risk Assessment. Results indicated significant differences in conduct-disordered behaviors between youths with less familial engagement compared with youths with more family engagement. Resulting implications for counselors are included.