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This study applies differential association and social control theories to juvenile delinquency. Using a path analysis model, relationships between family, self-image, and behavior are explored. Analyses suggest that positive self-image leads to decreased delinquency, and association with delinquent peers is the greatest predictor of delinquent behavior, regardless of race.

Juvenile offender data were examined in 1 county of 1 southern U.S. state, to explore whether racial and gender disparities in youth involved in the justice system were a factor in detention decisions for violations of probation. Probation officers were able to makerelatively consistent decisions about detention for violation of probation, despite disproportionate demographic representationin the overall population that they work with. There remains,however, a substantial potential for subjective bias, suggesting that measures to assist probation officers in making such decisions would appear to have potential value in the field.

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