NEKE OBITELJSKE VARIJABLE I POJAVNOST MALOLJETNIČKE DELINKVENCIJE
SOME FAMILY VARIABLES AND THE INCIDENCE OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

Summary/Abstract: The incidence and development of juvenile delinquency can be influenced by numerous factors such as peer context, school environment, economic circumstances in the community, specific problems of society (drugs, alcohol, violence), negative influence of the media, etc. However, the most frequently researched variables are those associated with the family. Family structure, increased divorce rate,(poor) quality of family communication and interaction, parental behavior, and parental upbringing style are some of them. The family is also an important protective factor, not only a risky one, especially in a time when the influence of the media is strong, the digital world and virtual friends are increasingly present, and the content that minors watch is increasingly dangerous. This paper presents the results of research that we obtained by reviewing cases in the Criminal Registry of the Municipal Court in Zadar and the Zadar Police Department (N=52) in which a criminal sanction was imposed in the period from January 1, 2019 to April 30, 2024. The results show that family dysfunction increased the risk of juvenile delinquent behavior and resulted in the commission of serious criminal offenses such as violent behavior, theft or even drug-related criminal acts. The parenting style of parents is mostly permissive or neglectful. However, it should be emphasized that a significant portion of juvenile delinquents (38.5%) come from families that do not have serious problems in their relationships. The fact that juveniles who have committed criminal acts also come from such families indicates that family relationships themselves are not the only risk factor for the occurrence of delinquent behavior. Numerous other influences are also possible in modern society, and research into this phenomenon is significant and justified.

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