Teenage Fatherhood as a Potential Turning Point in the Lives of Delinquent Youth

Parenthood as a Turning Point in the Life Course for Male and Female Gang Members: A Study of Within‐individual Changes in Gang Membership and Criminal Behavior

“…If turning points require fundamental shifts in social bonds, informal social controls, routines, and self‐concept, fatherhood in and of itself may not universally function as a “hook for change.” Some fathers may maintain an active presence in the life of their child, whereas others do not (Mollborn and Lovegrove, ), which might correspond to differences in how fatherhood influences the dimensions of desistance (see Landers, Mitchell, and Coates, ). We therefore further evaluate the potential for parenthood to function as a turning point for residential and nonresidential fathers.…”

“…Although in the literature on fatherhood and desistance, researchers tend not to consider involvement, there are two important exceptions using national data. First, Landers, Mitchell, and Coates (2015) investigated the impact of teenage fatherhood among delinquents and found that fatherhood reduced offending among those adolescents who lived with their children but increased offending for nonresidential fathers. Second, Ziegler et al (2017) also found that offenders who were residential parents were more likely to desist than were nonparents but that nonresidential parents did not experience the same benefit.…”

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Teenage Fathers’ Early Risk Factors and Socioeconomic Outcomes Later in Life

“…The literature suggests that the birth of a child is a life event that potentially decreases trajectories of crime and substance abuse; however, there is evidence that this positive change is greater among older fathers compared to younger fathers (Kerr et al 2011). In a population-based sample of males between the ages of 12–29, teen fathers had more assaults, drug sales, hard drug use, and arrests than non-teen fathers; no differences between the groups were found for marijuana use (Landers et al 2015). In another study, among youth participating in a program serving young fathers, about 40% reported substance abuse and 30% had committed a felony (Weinman et al 2002).…”

“…Studies on fathers have shown that White males are more likely to be married than African American males at the time of birth (Percheski and Wildeman 2008). While studies have not extensively examined racial differences in marital status specifically among teen fathers, being married may be a protective factor in the life course trajectory of teen fathers, as it is associated with reduced risk for substance use and crime (Landers et al 2015; Nevarez et al 2009). Additionally, married teen fathers are more likely to reside with their children, which is shown to be independently associated with reduced likelihood of substance use (Landers et al 2015).…”

“…While studies have not extensively examined racial differences in marital status specifically among teen fathers, being married may be a protective factor in the life course trajectory of teen fathers, as it is associated with reduced risk for substance use and crime (Landers et al 2015; Nevarez et al 2009). Additionally, married teen fathers are more likely to reside with their children, which is shown to be independently associated with reduced likelihood of substance use (Landers et al 2015). As for parental support, research suggests that having supportive parents has a positive impact on teen fathers’ involvement with their child (Fagan et al 2007; Paschal et al 2011), parenting behavior (Miller 1994), and mental health (Hunt et al 2015).…”