PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT OF JUVENILE DELINQUENTS AND YOUNG OFFENDERS ON PROBATION

Abstract

Probation system provides an important process to strengthen the juveniles and youngsters’ social support system, development of prosocial behaviours and enable them to reach social resources. This research which was designed as a quantitative research had been carried out for 2-month-period (May-June 2014) and data were gathered by using questionnaire and Provision of Social Relations (PSR) Scale.The research discusses the perception of social support provided by the juvenile delinquents and young offenders on probation at the Directorate of Probation in Ankara, as well as the factors shaping these perceptions. A series of information about the socio-demographic characteristics, families, delinquent behavior and factors related to the probation process was received from 150 juveniles and youngsters involved in the probation system at the Directorate of Probation in Ankara. It was determined that 150 juveniles' perception of social support varies in terms of their education level, birth or adopted parent status, education level of parents, type of family, employment status, type of committed crimes, criminal situation of friends and family, violence in the family, the frequency of substance use, taking support in the process of probation and meeting with the family during probation process. The aim of this research is to determine the perception of social support of the juveniles/youngsters on probation process and to put forward proposals for the development of social support resources of young people involved in the probation system.