The protective role of caretakers in the delinquency of detained youth in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

BackgroundBrazil is one of the world’s most violent countries, and much of that violence is perpetrated by juveniles. A common judicial sanction for the riskiest delinquents is commitment to facilities which perform the dual role of caring for and incapacitating these youth. ObjectiveOur study describes the disadvantages to which detained youths are exposed and investigates the association between these youth’s household configuration and their prior delinquency history. Participants and SettingWe analyze novel survey data of 281 juveniles who are detained in facilities throughout São Paulo—the most populous state of Brazil. MethodsWe use negative binomial regression models to estimate the association between youth’s household configuration and the (1) frequency, (2) severity, and (3) duration of their delinquency history. ResultsThe presence of any caretaker is a key protective factor against delinquency. Fathers are a rare element in delinquents’ households, but their presence has a strong negative effect on delinquency. We also found similar effects for the presence of extended family and of configurations that do not involve a family member. However, single mothers and stepparents are less protective for reasons described in the literature. ConclusionsFindings highlight the importance of the presence of a caretaker, but show that the specific configuration through which this guardianship operates (whether by a parent, grandparent, or other) carries less importance. Implications are discussed.