The Effectiveness of African American Male
Faith-Based Juvenile Delinquency
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Problem
Introduction
African American males’ high percentage of arrests has been documented in
research for decades. The disparity of arrests between African Americans juveniles and
other races is very well recognized in the United States. The Office of Juvenile Justice
and Delinquency Prevention (2017), in the Southeast Region of the United States,
reported that half of the juveniles that have been arrested are African American. This has
created a problem in the black community. Although arresting a black juvenile male does
not explain the factors that contribute to an arrest or demonstrate the effectiveness of
prevention programs, policy-makers must make an effort to combat this issue.
The black church is a significant component, as well as an asset, of the black
culture. The African American community has developed a focus on spirituality that
influences many aspects of their lives. The church traditionally has served as a protector
for many African Americans. Praying to God is seen as a reliance that life will get better
when God is a part of the plan. According to Cheney, Geoffrey, Booth, Sullivan, and
Stewart (2014), African Americans in the South have higher rates of participation in
religious activities. Religious belief has influenced the culture and has provided core
morals that are valued in the African American community. Despite the limitations due to
the separation of church and state, the black church can offer prevention programs to
African American youth that potentially decrease the amount of criminal activity that
juveniles commit. According to Travis Hirschi’s social bond/social control theory (1969),
individuals participate in a delinquent act when bonds are weakly developed. As a result
of weakly developed bonds, Hirschi (1969) believed that humans are fundamentally
influenced by desires and crime, which may lead them to seek out their desires. Some
research has suggested that programs that share the characteristics of the social bonding
theory can impact African American juveniles. Therefore, faith-based programs should
provide services containing attachments, commitment, involvement, and belief in order to
reduce juvenile delinquency in the African American community.
There are programs provided by the juvenile justice system that include substance
abuse, mental health, and sex offenders’ programs, among other programs, that foster
juvenile delinquency rates. Harvey and Hill (2004) examined programs that included
after-school activities, mentoring, church-based activities, social skills training, and
substance abuse programs. The authors examined the effects of programs on African
American male youth, as well as their parents. The findings revealed that youth
participating in substance abuse programs experienced positive outcomes, such as
increased self-esteem and effective knowledge about drug use. Harvey and Hill (2004)
noted in their research that although the African American churches offer some types of
programs to foster African American juvenile delinquency rates, they do not sufficiently
address the many factors that contribute to delinquency. These factors include drug use,
peer influence, education development, social, and environmental factors. Increased
African American church involvement in the lives of African American youth can
enhance the bonding and trust, thus creating a positive outlook on life that can provide a
distance between the black youth and juvenile delinquency acts.
The African American church can provide programs to assist the African
American youth with better decisions, while helping to reduce the number of African
Americans into the adult criminal justice system. The Venable (2015) study found that
members of the church should provide some type of support either with the church or
through referral efforts made by the church. It was also noted that if the church were to
provide the service for African American juveniles, it should only be done after training
to ensure effectiveness, as well as provide privacy, for the African American juvenile
(Venable, 2015). Furthermore, it was suggested by Venable (2015) that African
American families tend to use the church as a safe haven, and the assumption can be
made that when an African American juvenile commits a delinquent act, the black church
is where they tend to turn for support. Moore, Adedoyin, Robinson, and Boamah (2015)
discussed the role of the black church. The main components of this study suggested that
the black church has and continues to fill a significant role in the lives of black people.
Moreover, sustaining relationships is essential to reducing the rate of incarcerated black
juveniles. The church can address the many social and environmental factors that are
predictors of criminal activity, especially in low-income areas where delinquency rates
tend to be higher than in other areas.
Robinson, Blackmon, and Rhodes (2016) stated that juvenile delinquency in
lowincome areas has been studied in some literature and remains a problem in the
African American community. Young (2014) suggested that social factors, in particular
peer influence and substance abuse, as a link to delinquency. Weatherburn and Schnepel
(2015) further stated that family factors such as parent involvement, supervision, and
inconsistent or harsh punishment contributed to the causes of delinquency.
Researchers have given much attention to juvenile delinquency, and although the
juvenile justice system has evolved, there is still a need to continue to lower delinquency.
Keenan and Rush (2015) suggested that juvenile justice policy, currently, is focused on
whether juvenile offenders should be transferred to the adult criminal justice system. The
juvenile justice system in the United States did not exist before the 1800s, and all juvenile
criminal cases were primarily handled in adult criminal court. If convicted in adult court,
juveniles were handed the same sanctions as adults (Keenan & Rush, 2015).
In 1899, the United States established the first juvenile court system in Cook
County, Illinois (Troutman, 2018). The goal of the first juvenile court in the United States
was to divert offenders from punishment and provide rehabilitation based on individual
needs (Troutman, 2018). It is time for the policymakers to present another measure that
will provide services to reduce the number of juveniles to the adult criminal justice
system. In this study I explored how programs provided a barrier for juvenile delinquent
acts and, furthermore, how the African American church programs directed the
decisionmaking that halted a juvenile from committing a delinquent act.
This qualitative phenomenological analysis focused on interviews with juveniles
about their experiences emphasizing the effectiveness of faith-based initiatives on
delinquent acts. In this research, I examined the effectiveness of programs within the
church in order to influence policy. This study took place in the Southeastern region of
the United States at facilities located throughout the region. There is a need to study
church programs as a preventive measure. The information obtained from this research
can help to aid the process of reducing juvenile delinquency.
This chapter includes a summary of the focus of this study, which was to explore
the effectiveness of faith-based initiatives through the life experiences of juveniles. This
chapter includes a discussion of the background of this study, the statement of the
problem, the purpose of the study, research questions that guided the study, the
theoretical framework, the nature of the study, and the definition of terms. This chapter
also includes a review of the assumptions, the scope of the study, the limitations, and the
significance of this study.
Background
The church is a place to provide meaningful help to at-risk youth. The church
historically has provided a shelter within the African American community. Venable
(2015) reported that African American juveniles’ families are more inclined to rely
heavily on members and ministers to address the many needs of personal and emotional
needs. Therefore, with African American families relying heavily on the black church,
this also allows the African American juveniles to rely on the African American church
as well. The essential factor in Venable’s research is that the church can play a vital role
in the rehabilitative process for African American juveniles. Moore et al. (2015)
suggested the responsibility of the black church continues to fill a role in the lives of
African Americans.
The African American church can provide for the juvenile, the essential
components of Travis Hirschi’s (1969) social bond theory, which displays attachments,
commitment, belief, and involvement within a program that the church offers. The black
church can exhibit these four key restraints and change the conduct of a juvenile’s
behavior. Mohideen, Anuar, Latiff, Ridzuan, and Kamarudin (2016) believe that the
family is key to developing ties within the church, thus allowing the church to help with
decreasing criminal activity. Findings from this analysis provide insight into African
American juveniles’ perceptions of how effective the black church programs are at
helping the juvenile refrain from committing delinquent acts.
Problem Statement
The problem addressed in this research was the high rate of African American
juveniles who recidivate within the Southeast region of the United States. Research has
shown the arrest rate for African Americans juveniles in the Southeast region of the
United States is higher than other counties in this location (“Juvenile Arrest Rates,”2017).
In this location, one county is fifth in population, yet leads all other counties whose
population is double in that state, in African Americans juvenile arrest rates (“Juvenile
Arrest Rates,” 2017).
Currently, organizations in the Southeast region of the United States have
implemented programs that includes Outward Bound, Thause Educational & Exposure,
Youth Central, and probation and residential substance abuse programs (Department of
Juvenile Justice, 2017). The programs offered by faith-based programs focus on mental
health, assessment, substance abuse, prevention, and education (Aspire Health Partner,
2017).
Despite the juvenile justice system efforts aimed at rehabilitation for juveniles
(Lipscomb, 2013), there are no studies that explore whether the use of a faith-based
recidivism prevention program is more effective than those offered by the juvenile justice
system. This study may provide data to assist policymakers in evaluating the
effectiveness of faith-based juvenile delinquency programs when developing policies that
could expand access and funding to the faith-based programs to enhance recidivism
reduction efforts.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the
effectiveness of faith-based delinquency programs through the viewpoint of juveniles, in
an effort to reduce juvenile recidivism rates in African American communities. This
exploration included interviews with African American juveniles who attended the
programs at the black church. This study took place in the Southeast part of the United
States. The goal of a qualitative researcher is to explore an issue in depth and to
understand better the perception of individuals who are connected to the investigative
problem (Ravitch & Carl, 2016).
Research Questions
The following research question guided this study:
RQ1: What is the perception of participating juveniles regarding the effectiveness
of faith-based programs?
RQ2: What outcomes do juveniles expect when they participate in faith-based
initiatives?
RQ3: How does social bond theory (i.e., bonds formed with the staff as a result
from the programs offered) add to the success of the program as perceived by juveniles?
Theoretical Framework
The theoretical basis for this study was the social bond theory. This perspective
provided an explanation that supports preventive measures for juvenile delinquency and
served as a groundwork for the importance of religion. The theoretical foundation for this
study was Hirschi’s (1969) social bond theory. The Hirschi (1969) approach supports the
idea that juveniles who have attachments are less likely to commit delinquent acts. The
faith-based initiatives in this current study provided informal relationships that postulated
positive feelings of attachments while placing higher importance on not committing
delinquent acts. Hirsch’s (1969) posited control theory suggests that when social bonds
that serve as the primary inhibitors to delinquency attachments are not in place, the
juvenile is more likely to commit delinquent acts. Therefore, by building relationships
with the church, it can decrease the opportunity for delinquency.
Nature of the Study
The nature of this study involved a qualitative research method that explored the
perceptions of juveniles on whether or not programs within the church are effective in
keeping juveniles away from the juvenile justice system. The findings of this study
identify the perceptions on whether or not programming helped juveniles not to commit
further crimes. The framework was constructed to address the gap in the literature.
Qualitative research is ideally a method that attempts to understand perceptions,
perspectives, and understanding of a particular phenomenon (Ravitch & Carl, 2016). This
research used a phenomenological analysis that explored a phenomenon by observing an
existing theory. Hollow (2014) noted that exploratory research aims to enhance the
understanding in the field by providing further insight into a phenomenon. This study
analyzed the faith-based programs as a means for understanding the impact of programs
in a religious institution and how it is a better option for the African American juvenile
male as opposed to the juvenile justice system. Qualitative research is not intended to
prove or test a theory, but rather, to provide an explanation of the social problem.
A phenomenological approach is a branch of qualitative study that focuses on the
commonality of live experiences within a particular group and can be used to explore a
phenomenon (Crowe, Cresswell, Robertson, Huby, & Avery, 2011). The
phenomenological design is the approach that was utilized, and the focus in this study
was in-depth interviews in low socio-economic areas in the Southeast region of the
United States. Miner-Romanoff (2012) suggested that qualitative phenomenological data
yields an in-depth understanding of participants’ experiences that involves a cyclical
analysis. I located a faith-based initiative and conducted 21 interviews at the church using
juveniles who attended church and participated in a faith-based program.
According to McGivern (2003), sample sizes of 20 are appropriate to understand
interviewees’ views on a topic. Furthermore, saturation is reached within this range and
themes are developing to see patterns in the data set to determine the effectiveness of the
programs offered by faith-based initiatives. In this research study, I developed themes
and described accurately common information that indicates success in faith-based
programs. The range of participants provided the in-depth details that are in alignment
with phenomenological requirements. The first-hand data of the phenomenological study
approach increased the understanding about the influence programs have on juvenile
recidivism rates. The reasoning for the use of a phenomenological study approach is to
record research with details in order to investigate a phenomenon in a real-life
environment. For this current research, phenomenological design encouraged the live
experience from juveniles that helped recognize how faith-based initiatives are effective
in reducing juvenile delinquency rates.
A phenomenological design helps to create understanding of the lived
experiences of people and allows the voices of the members to be heard (Groenewald,
2004). Another advantage to using a qualitative phenomenological approach is that
themes emerge from the data collected from the participants’ viewpoint (Groenewald,
2004). According to Groenewald (2004), the phenomenological method provides detailed
information that concentrates on lived experiences of individuals and can help generate
new ideas that will help show different aspects of a person’s knowledge. During the
interview process with juveniles, I identified patterns and themes that revealed the
effectiveness of church programs. I used inductive coding and transcribed the data.
Analyzing qualitative data requires an interpretation of a large amount of transcripts in
order to find similarities as well as differences within each interview with juveniles. I
used HyperTranSCRIBE software to analyze the audio files in order to transcribe the
transcript from each juvenile participant.
Key Concepts and Definitions
Adjudicated: The court finds a youth guilty of committing a delinquent act. The
court can commit an adjudicated juvenile or place the juvenile on community control
(Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, 2012).
African American: Black Americans with African descent per this study.
Arrest: An arrest is made when a law enforcement officer charges an offender
with a violation of the law and takes that individual into custody based on probable cause.
A juvenile is taken into custody, and once in custody, youth are referred to their local
Juvenile Assessment Center (Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, 2012).
Black Church: Defined as a faith-based institution where the members are
predominantly African American/Black (Lincoln & Mamiya, 1990).
Delinquency act: Any illegal act committed by a youth under the age of 18 who
has not been sentenced as an adult for a felony (Bartollas & Miller, 2015).
Juvenile: A youth most often under the age of 18 (Davis, 2002).
Juvenile court: The process in which juvenile proceeds through the various phases
of court (Bilchik, 1990).
Judicial waiver: A process in which a juvenile court judge moves the jurisdiction
from juvenile court to adult court (Bartollas & Miller, 2017).
Risk factors: Demographic variables that contribute to juvenile delinquency (Day
& Wanklyn, 2012).
Recidivism: Engaging in repeated unlawful behavior (Davis, 2002).
Social bonds: The social relationships between people that connect and bind them
to the social norms of those groups to which they are strongly connected (Hirschi, 1969).
Assumptions
It was assumed that all information regarding juveniles was accurately collected
in order to provide unbiased research. It was also assumed that each juvenile attended
church programs regularly. It was assumed in this research that juveniles would give the
best opinion to programs offered by a faith-based initiative (church). I assumed that the
answers from the interview questions given by the juveniles about the effectiveness of
church programs were provided honestly. It was assumed that the arrest rate in the
Southeast region of the United States was accurately documented for African American
juveniles. I also assumed that juveniles would understand the interview questions in a
safe environment. I assumed that the interviewees would provide accurate data in order to
know how effective the faith-based programs are at decreasing juvenile delinquency
rates.
Scope and Delimitations
The scope of this study was limited to examining how African American male
juveniles’ perceptions of how faith-based initiatives act as a deterrent from delinquent
acts. Examining juveniles’ perceptions of faith-based initiatives is the next stage of
understanding the effectiveness of faith-based initiatives for at-risk African American
juveniles. The scope of this current research did not take into account African American
juvenile women or other ethnicities. The programs were from a church that offers
programs and this study did not focus on programs from the juvenile justice system. The
boundaries of this current study were limited to African American juveniles and the
participants in this study must have participated in a preventive program offered by a
faith-based initiative in the Southeast region of the United States. I considered using the
functionalism theory to structure the research, but excluded this theory because certain
concepts were not appropriate for the study. Functionalism theory emphasizes values
such as adaptability, efficacy, and justice of law (Eskridge, 1998). According to Mooney
et al. (2016), functionalism provides a system of interconnected parts that work together
to maintain balance in society. Functionalism focuses on reproducing, nurturing, and
socializing children by providing education (Mooney, Knox, & Schacht, 2016). Another
integral part of functionalism is religion. Religion contributes to the moral guidance and
creates an outlet for the worship of a higher power (Mooney et al. 2016). This theory
might help explain certain characteristics of the family, church, and religion, but it does
not consider aspects of inequalities such as race.
Another theory that was considered was the cognitive evaluation theory, which
explains the effects of external consequences on internal motivation. This approach
focuses on competence and autonomy. Deci and Ryan (1985) noted that methods that
promote greater perceived ability will enhance intrinsic motivation. The cognitive
evaluation theory may provide information on how African American juveniles’ thoughts
process. but it was excluded from this study because it does not account for individual
experiences.
Simon (2011) suggested that the researcher sets the boundaries, as well as the
delimitations in a research study. In this study, the delimitation is the location where the
research took place. The site of the location is in a small section of the Southeast region
of the United States. The results of this study may apply to other locations where the
criteria is limited to African American juveniles and the services are provided by an
African American faith-based initiative (church). The sample size for this study was 21
African American juveniles.
Limitations
This research used a qualitative phenomenological method to explore the
perceptions of African American juveniles regarding the effectiveness of programs within
a faith-based initiative (church). According to Simon (2011), a limitation is a weakness of
the study that may impact the results. A limitation associated with qualitative studies is
related to validity and reliability due to the natural setting (Simon, 2011). Furthermore,
the natural setting can make it difficult to repeat the research (Wiersma, 2000).
This study is limited to a phenomenological design. The phenomenological
approach is the best option to generate answers from the interview questions from the
African American juvenile perspective. A limitation of a phenomenological design is
subjectivity. Subjectivity is not free from bias influence and may make the findings hard
to report. The presence of the researcher may influence the answers to some questions
that are asked. Another limitation to this study is that I, as the researcher, am an African
American male who may have had similar experiences. Therefore, research bias may be
difficult to determine, and the results of the study could be affected.
This research is limited to African American juvenile males who participated in a
faith-based program and, consequently, the findings may not be generalized to the whole
geographical location, as well as all races. Dependability comprises of juvenile
participants evaluating the findings of the research, as well as the analysis of a study to
make sure that they are all supported by data received (Cohen, Manion, & Morrison,
2011). The dependability of this study is limited to the truthfulness and accuracy of each
African American male juvenile when asked questions during the interviews. This study
involved African American juvenile males who elicited their viewpoints about the
effectiveness of faith-based programs. However, this study did not provide the
perceptions of other ethnicities. This study took place in a church and does not provide
information on incarcerated African American juveniles. The information obtained from
African American juveniles who are incarcerated in the juvenile justice system could
provide a larger sample size that would produce more patterns and themes that can
provide more details about the role of faith-based programs from the perspective of
African American juveniles. Furthermore, studying incarcerated African American
juveniles can ensure valuable information that can be generalize across regions and
ethnicities. Thus, the studying of juveniles from all backgrounds, especially in low
income areas, can possibly reduce juvenile delinquency acts. The best method used for
this study was a qualitative phenomenological study.
I considered other methodologies for this study. There was a consideration for
quantitative research. Quantitative research is a form of analysis that searches for causes,
and effects, and predicts possible outcomes (Creswell, 2013). The aim in this study was
to generate the information about the effectiveness of faith-based programs from the
viewpoint of African American male juveniles. The one main advantage of quantitative
research is that the results are based on objective facts, as well as being clear, concrete,
and easily measured. Quantitative research does not give an insight into human emotions.
Although quantitative research seeks to investigate causes and effects (Creswell, 2013),
that was not the aim of this study. I used a qualitative approach to provide insight from an
African American juvenile male viewpoint.
Qualitative research provides a deeper understanding and allows the researcher to
have firsthand interaction with the participants (Creswell, 2012). The advantage of using
a qualitative study is that it provides in-depth analysis and records attitudes, feelings,
behaviors, and the responses from the interview question and can simulate individual
experiences while opening up new themes that originally were not considered (Creswell,
2012). Although qualitative research is time-consuming, it provided the appropriate
methodology for this study. Another disadvantage is that the results can be influenced by
the researcher’s own experiences. Silverman (2010) argues that qualitative research
approaches sometimes leave out contextual sensitivities, and focus more on meaning and
experiences. Policy makers prefer quantitative research due to the results being clearer, as
opposed to qualitative results (Rahman, 2016). Also, a qualitative research method
usually has smaller sample sizes, which raises the issue of generalizability to the whole
population (Rahman, 2016). Nevertheless, a qualitative approach was the best option to
answer the research questions and add knowledge to the social science field by exploring
the effectiveness of faith-based programs.
Significance of the Study
This research may contribute to the knowledge within the field of social sciences
and advancing policy while promoting positive social change. According to researchers,
juvenile delinquency in low socio-economic areas remains a problem in the African
American community (Robinson, Blackmon, & Rhodes, 2016). The literature has also
revealed that social factors affect criminal behavior. According to Young (2014), peer
influence and substance abuse are social factors that are a link to juvenile delinquency. A
contributing factor is a connection that youths have with their peers and how that
relationship influences risky behavior. This study demonstrated how faith-based
programs are effective in reducing delinquent acts. This study’s findings could assist in
resources being allocated to faith-based programs outside of the juvenile justice system.
The juvenile justice system in the Southeastern part of the United States has
always provided programs either within their facilities, or at appointed designations
outside of the justice system, to help aid in the treatment of juveniles (Department of
Juvenile Justice, 2017). However, according to Lashley (2013), the United States
Constitution implemented the separation of church and state, and this has made it
challenging to offer funds for faith-based initiatives. Faith-based initiatives are limited to
providing services as a subcontractor for the juvenile justice system. This study may
contribute to an understanding of successful delinquency prevention methods and may
help reduce delinquency rates among the African American communities in the Southeast
region of the United States. This study builds upon existing knowledge of what was
known about the social bond theory and added new knowledge that was not known about
the effectiveness of faith-based programs through the lived experiences of African
American male juveniles. Existing research has addressed the church’s influence on
African American juveniles, but has not addressed the effects faith-based programs have
on African American male juveniles. The findings of this study may provide positive
social change to the African American community by providing information about
another effective option for the success of juveniles.
The impact of positive social change starts with the ability to seek better decision
making and presenting options that influence decisions. Incarceration of juveniles can
lead to higher costs especially when a juvenile is transferred to the adult prison system.
History has suggested that the existence of juvenile delinquency instigates an interference
to social order. Furthermore, crime changes society, and it distorts the community in how
trust is reintegrated back into our communities. The impact of programs within the
church will allow the juvenile to get back on track and lower the cost of imprisonment,
while seeing a reduction in the number of African Americans entering into the adult
system.
Summary
Research suggests that there is a disparity in arrests among African Americans as
compared to other races. It is assumed that programs in the juvenile justice system
provide the same treatment for all races. Despite this concept, African American
juveniles account for half of the arrests in the Southeast region of the United States
(Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, 2017). According to the Office of Juvenile
Justice and Delinquency Prevention (2017), it was revealed that half of all the juveniles
arrested are African American, but the alarming problem continues to be the transfer of
African Americans juveniles to the adult court. The Office of Juvenile Justice and
Delinquency Prevention (2017) reported that two-thirds of African juveniles are
transferred to adult prison.
Travis Hirschi’s (1969) social bond theory is a philosophy that focuses on
building relationships that connect people. The church historically has played a crucial
role for African Americans. Taylor, Chatters, and Levin (2004) reported that the black
church had provided spiritual, emotional, and social support for those living in poverty.
Also, the black church has provided an optimistic future through prayer to God.
The sources assisted in comparing the effectiveness of a program offered by a
faith-based program to determine the success. Chapter 1 included an overview of the
problem driving the study, the purpose of the study, the methodology, assumptions,
scope, delimitation, and delimitations. In Chapter 2, I summarize existing literature on
African Americans juveniles and church programs that can aid the juvenile in decision
making. Specific references are available on factors that influence youth delinquency and
how the church can intervene. This literature focuses on the church role concerning
African American juvenile recidivism rates. The topics are as follows: background on the
juvenile justice system, juvenile delinquency problems, African American juvenile in the
United States juvenile delinquency in Southeast region social and environment factors,
and church and social bond theory using existing studies.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Introduction
In this phenomenological study, I explored the effectiveness of faith-based delinquency
programs in the effort to reduce juvenile recidivism rates in African American
communities. More specifically, I examined the effectiveness of faith-based juvenile
delinquency programs in low-income and low socio-economic areas in the Southeast
region of the United States. The problem was that African American juveniles are
arrested at a higher rate than their counterparts. African Americans are then transferred to
the adult system at a rate of 66%. Faith-based programs within the African American
church in the Southeast region of the United States were examined. The African
Americans’ arrest rate in the Southeast region is at an higher percentage than the next
region with the highest number of population within the Southeast region (“Juvenile
Arrest Rates,” 2017). Despite the juvenile justice system’s efforts that are aimed at
rehabilitation for juveniles (Lipscomb, 2013), there are no studies that explored if
faithbased recidivism prevention programs are more effective than those offered by the
juvenile justice system.
Juvenile delinquency is a behavior committed by juveniles usually under the age
of 18 that may lead to adult crime. Although status offenses are less serious offenses, they
can lead to criminal activity. Shaw and McKay (1942) set out to understand juvenile
delinquency and the impact it has on urban areas. The social disorganization theory
explains criminal activity based on structure and culture factors (Shaw & McKay, 1942).
These researchers claimed that areas with high rates of delinquency were structurally
different from areas of low delinquency rates.
Crime in the United States takes a toll both regarding monetary cost and the loss
of quality of life when offenders are incarcerated. Although adult offenders account for
the majority of criminal activity in the United States, about 25% of juvenile offenders
over the age of 16 will go on to re-offend in their early adult years (Office of Juvenile
Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2016; Tennyson, 2009). When effective
interventions can be acknowledged and applied to target juvenile offenders, a decrease in
the number of adolescents that re-offend as adults should follow. This would result in a
better quality of life for both the young delinquent and society (Tennyson, 2009).
According to Bartollas and Miller (2017), medieval traditions influence the
shaping of the juvenile system in England after which the United States modeled its
justice system. One of the issues dealing with juveniles is the age of responsibility.
Children under 7 years of age are generally not adjudicated, and therefore, are not
prosecuted. The fixed age of 7 in the United States is used for determining whether
youths will be excused from criminal responsibility.
The research questions in this study were used to examine how faith-based
initiatives in Southeast region of the United States use programs to reduce recidivism
among African American juveniles. The study data are based on juveniles’ perceptions,
which were collected in face to face interviews. The face to face interviews provided
indepth data to maximize the success of programs.
This chapter includes a historical overview of the juvenile justice system, and
arrest rates among African American juveniles, as well as social factors, programs, and
faith-based initiatives. Additionally, the theoretical framework is discussed. The social
bond theory was used as it applies to the characteristics of treatment for juvenile
offenders. In this chapter, I analyze program effectiveness and examine which
interventions are most successful in decreasing juvenile recidivism. This review is broken
down into four categories: (a) juvenile justice system; (b) juvenile delinquency rates; (c)
effects of social factors on juveniles in low socio-economic areas; and (d) the relationship
between African Americans juveniles and the church, as well as examining the
effectiveness of programs within the church.
The first category of this literature review includes background on the juvenile
justice system in the United States. The second category is about juvenile delinquency
and African American juvenile delinquency rates in the United States, as well as the
Southeast Region of the United States. The third category includes the elements of social
factors that cause a juvenile to commit delinquent acts. Next, I discuss church-run
programs and how faith-based initiatives programs affect change in the juvenile
population. Studies using the social bond concept are examined. The primary emphasis of
the literature review is to explore the effectiveness of faith-based programs in the effort to
reduce juvenile recidivism rates in African American communities.
To help pinpoint resources for this literature review, searches using the Walden
library were done using terms such as: juvenile offenders, juvenile delinquency rates,
juvenile African Americans, the African American church program, faith-based
initiatives, racial disparities, African American juvenile males in the United States, the
effects of poverty in the African American community on crime, social media effects on
juveniles, and the juvenile justice system. The search using the Walden Library (PsycInfo,
and Criminal Justice Database) produced numerous relevant articles connected to juvenile
delinquency rates, African American juvenile offenders, and programs.
Theoretical Framework
Many theories have contributed to the causes of delinquent behavior. First, there
is the differential association theory which states that those individuals who affiliate with
criminals have a higher propensity to become criminals themselves (Church, Jaggers &
Taylor, 2012) and there is also the strain theory, which offers a perspective that people
essentially respond to life’s stresses differently. One response to life’s stresses is criminal
behavior. These two theories explain juvenile delinquency and contribute to the evolution
of Travis Hirschi’s social bond theory (SBT). Travis Hirsch’s SBT functioned as the
theoretical foundation for this study.
I employed techniques that explain methods to prevent delinquency. The SBT
explains the relationships between the juvenile and informal social control. Furthermore,
an attachment is vital to developing a relationship where programs are geared toward
making the right decision, autonomy, and being able to adapt. Fagan, Wright, and
Pinchevsky (2014) noted in their study that parents are identified as the primary source of
social support for children, but attachments to the community are equally as important.
Although their study focuses on substance abuse, Yang and Yang (2017) found that
bonds with conventional institutions (such as marriage, family, education institutions, and
religious organizations) reduce the risk of negative behavior. The SBT provides a
prevention technique for juveniles especially when connected to members of society.
The SBT is the primary prevention method where the church is allowed to form a
connection with a juvenile in order to develop a relationship to decrease criminal activity.
According to Longshore, Chang, and Messina (2005), Ford and Rigg (2015), and Yang
and Yang (2017), weak social bonds are found to be associated with negative behavior
and present a risk to juveniles. Hirschi (1969) stated that social bonds involve four
components as the restraints of delinquency. The four restraints are attachment,
commitment, involvement, and belief (Hirschi, 1969). Research has shown that having a
meaningful connection to one’s background is an enlightening asset for minority youth.
In principle, the SBT argues that the existence of bonds to a convention institution
reduces the likelihood of deviant behavior (Hirschi, 1969). The faith-based institutions
for African American juveniles present a bond that is, more than likely, the conventional
attachment that an African American’s family relies heavily on, thus impacting the lives
of young African American males.
According to Boakye (2013), external motivators, such as family, play a
meaningful role in the development of a child. Furthermore, an African American’s
family association with the church influences the individual youth decisions and creates
attachments that will last a lifetime. The emphasis offered in this theory permits the
members of a faith-based organization to deliver good foundations for the juvenile and
will postulate the tools necessary to allow the juvenile to have good external support
around them in order to cultivate their intrinsic values.
Background of Juvenile Justice in the United States
Although early medieval civilizations influenced the shaping of the juvenile
justice system in England, the common law tradition of England eventually became the
basis for the justice system in the United States today. In the 1920s, the idea of a juvenile
court spread rapidly through the United States, bringing a refinement of the development
of the juvenile court system.
Crime in the United States took its toll both regarding monetary cost and loss of
the quality of life when offenders are incarcerated (Reed, Miller, & Novosel, 2017). In
fact, according to research, one estimate of the total cost of juvenile crime in the United
States currently equates to 5.7 billion dollars annually (Reed, Miller, & Novosel, 2017).
This calculation includes medical expenses, lost earnings, and other services for victims
as well as the intangible emotional costs of lost quality of life (Reed, Miller, & Novosel
2017; Tennyson, 2009).
Howell, in 2003, suggested that the United States’ premise of the juvenile justice
court system is that children are not as responsible as adults and should be considered
differently. That belief is still in effect today as juveniles are still treated differently than
adults. Many theories have suggested an explanation as to why juveniles commit
delinquent acts, but these theories cannot pinpoint with certainty the reason behind
juvenile delinquency.
When the American justice system began to develop, there were some treatment
options that were used as prevention methods. The doctrine of parens patriae provides a
foundation for intervention techniques. This doctrine contained provisions that allows the
state to intervene when the parents or guardians are not capable of taking care of their
youth. These differences allow juveniles to obtain help when a violation of the law has
occurred. Rather than seek to punish juveniles for a violation of the law, the juvenile
justice system provides rehabilitation as an alternative.
Caldwell (2014) stated that the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the
rights of the child (CRC) has made an impact on juveniles under the age of eighteen.
CRC provides the best interest of the child, the right to life, survival, and development, as
well as respected views of the child (Caldwell, 2014). The United States has been
influenced by these core principles that appear to be consistent with the rest of the world.
There are much-supported differences on juveniles about culpability and how well
the juvenile understands law while putting great emphasis on treatment. Some of the
differences focus on treatment first, while the alternative to treatment is incarceration.
The first juvenile court was established in Chicago, Illinois, in 1899 (Troutman, 2018),
and yet there are still discussions over the goals and the legal procedures in the juvenile
justice system with a juvenile that commits delinquent acts.
According to Blitzman (2015), the original Houses of Refuge in 1825 preceded
the opening of the first juvenile court in Cook County, Illinois, in 1899. The House of
Refuge was not originally planned to admit African American youth. However, when
African American youth were reluctantly admitted, services that were provided proved to
be insufficient (Blitzman, 2015). Therefore, treatment was not significant. As a
consequence, African American children were disproportionately restrained in adult jails
and prisons (Blitzman, 2015). While the juvenile court system developed and the Houses
of Refuge resembled prisons, African American youth were disproportionately
represented. First, there was exclusion from care; then there was an over inclusion in a
system without care.
The question of whether juvenile offenders should be tried and sentenced
differently than adult offenders elicits strongly held opinions from citizens, policymakers,
and professionals. The juvenile justice system was established on the principle of
individualized justice and focused on rehabilitation of youthful offenders (Howell, 2003).
Although due process protections were considered significant, they were considered
secondary in importance given the court’s emphasis on care, treatment, and rehabilitation
for juveniles (Howell, 2003; Lawrence & Hemmens, 2008).
In 1899, Cook County established the first juvenile court to extend treatment to
juveniles (Troutman, 2018). Illinois legislature enacted the first juvenile code to deal
virtually with all juveniles regardless of the seriousness of the offense. The first juvenile
court contributed to the concept of parens patriae by providing the essential needs of
juveniles. Nevertheless, Cook County provided little direction for the programs that were
offered. Despite these inconsistencies, many states followed the Cook County example of
juvenile justice (Lawrence & Hemmens, 2008). The juvenile court has advanced from the
use of the state taken care of at-risk youth to handle juvenile delinquents and what is best
for the juvenile during the nineteenth century.
Although the first juvenile court in the United States was officially established in
1899, many juveniles did not have proper protection. The concerned in proper protection
was that juveniles who committed crimes were not being treated fairly by the juvenile
justice system, even though the concept of rehabilitation remained the same. The case of
Kent v. the United States, some 67 years later, developed the same due process rights for
juveniles as for an adult. Furthermore, the emphasis was still on saving the child through
treatment, but Kent v. the United States was significant because it established first due
process rights for juveniles (383 U.S. 541, 86 S.Ct. 1045 (1966).
Other juvenile court cases also determine the trajectory of due process within the
juvenile justice system. Although the adult criminal system recognizes the right to
counsel, the juvenile justice system, even after Kent v. the United States, still was in the
beginning stages of the due process. The court case involving Gerald Gault established
the right to notice and counsel. In re Winship recognized the due process right, such as
proof beyond a reasonable doubt, while Breed v. Jones recognized that waived
jurisdiction in adjudication hearings is a violation of 5th amendment rights, in particular
double jeopardy. Jacobs (2013) and Davison (2015) emphasized that cases such as Roper
v. Simmons (2005), Graham v. Florida (2010), and Miller v. Alabama (2012) are the
most influential court cases in establishing a foundation for the differences between
juveniles and adults.
Davison (2015) maintained in the case involving Miller v. Alabama (2012), the
court took the ban of life without the possibility of parole for juveniles a step further. The
court held that the Eighth Amendment prohibits a sentencing scheme, as well as
constituting cruel and unusual punishment which juveniles are not subject to these type of
sanctions (Davison, 2015). The United States is governed by the constitution that gives
rights to adults and juveniles.
These cases have stated the purpose of due process rights for juveniles.
Treatment, rather than punishment, remains the resolution of the juvenile justice system.
Because juveniles are less mature and often unaware of the consequences of their actions,
they are held to a less high standard than adults. Furthermore, by giving juveniles
protection under the constitution, the juvenile justice system has demonstrated more
differences from adults. The belief is that children under a certain age (usually 18) could
be held responsible for their delinquent acts, but the focus on treatment and what is the
best welfare for the child has been the approach for a long time in the United States. The
method of the best interest for the child is still appropriate and effective for the majority
of juvenile offenders, whose crimes range from status offenses to property offenses to
drug offenses (Howell, 2003; Lawrence & Hemmens, 2008).
In 1974, Congress passed the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act
(JJDPA) in order to address variations and to improve outcomes for youth and support
the safety of society (Blitzman, 2015). The JJDPA provided federal juvenile justice
dollars to the states in return for compliance with sweeping reforms (Blitzman, 2015). As
noted before, it was common practice before due process rights were given to juveniles,
that all children in the juvenile justice system, regardless of the type of their offense, were
provided positive guidance. Moreover, the JJDPA agreed that status offenses should be
decriminalized. Accordingly, Kunsnetz (2014), Blitzman (2015), and Baglivio et al.
2016) noted the JJDPA's initial core requirements were the deinstitutionalization of status
offenders and sight and sound separation from adults (Baglivio et al., 2016; Blitzman,
2015). Another core component of the JJDPA was to reduce disproportionate minority
contact (DMC) within the juvenile justice system.
Attention has been given to juvenile delinquency, and the juvenile justice system
presently is under a microscope to lower delinquency rates. The juvenile justice system in
the United States is often condemned for being unsuccessful. McShane and Cavanaugh
(2016) and Mays and Ruddell (2012) pointed out shortcomings and failures within the
juvenile justice system. The shortcomings and failures are indicated in the lack of
preparation that deals with the individual issue in the juvenile court (individuals waived
as adults), the violence within the juvenile justice system, and developmental deficiencies
that otherwise would place the individual in a mental health facility.
Caldwell (2014) and Davidson (2015) proposed that the United States is the only
country that incarcerates juvenile offenders for life without the possibility of parole. This
approach seems to conflict with the concept that suggests juveniles are fundamentally
different from adults and should be treated distinctively. With this approach, the United
States juvenile justice system is punitive thus allowing youths under the age of eighteen
to be waived to adult courts. A juvenile that is adjudicated delinquent can be placed in
custody or community supervision (Mays & Ruddell 2012). Juveniles who are
transferred, ultimately become prisoners in an adult setting. Mays and Ruddell (2012) and
Church, Springer, and Roberts (2014) recognized that the consequences for juveniles
transferred to adult courts can have an adverse effect and can cause more problems when
retuning to society. What could be considered a problem in trying to find solutions is that
many states have a difference of opinion when it comes to transferring juveniles to adult
court.
Church et al. (2014) stated that public opinion matters when a crime is present,
however, the authors warned against transferring juveniles to adult court because it sends
the message that society labels youth and, while the juvenile is incapacitated, the issues
are still present. Church et al. (2014) further stated that instead of labeling, the criminal
justice system should recognize the needs, abilities, and vulnerabilities of a juvenile.
Although transfers can manage or control repeat and dangerous offenders, they can also
be traumatizing and cause more problems with reintegration into the community once
time has been served (May & Ruddell, 2012). The primary goal of the juvenile court
system is to determine whether a juvenile should be adjudicated as a delinquent.
Furthermore, removing teenagers from the juvenile court system reveals a shared
certainty that the juvenile is beyond restoration, thus implying a deficiency in trust that
juveniles are capable of being treated as the juvenile court system set out to do (Caldwell,
2014). Unfortunately, the system failures have put a strain on law enforcement to deal
with child-developmental, mental health issues, and status offenses. Lynn and Sun (2017)
noted that law enforcement uses authoritative actions when handling situations which
could indicate that the police department is harsh toward juvenile crime. As Howell
(2003) claimed in his work, history of the juvenile court in the United States suggested
that children are not as responsible as adults and should look to rehabilitate. The
authoritative approach should indicate to law enforcement that a supportive method is
needed.
McShane and Cavanaugh (2016) also suggest that the goal of the juvenile justice
system should include an emphasis on not incarcerating youth for less severe offenses.
Therefore, by targeting more severe offenses will allow the juvenile justice system to
focus on resources tailored toward serious offenses (McShane & Cavanaugh, 2016). The
American juvenile justice system has progressed over the last 100 years with differences
that separate juveniles from the adult criminal justice system. Consequently, history
suggests that the juvenile justice system made no distinction for youth who broke the law
as juveniles and were treated the same as adults.
The 18th century in the United States had no juvenile justice system to treat
juveniles. Siegel and Welsh (2009) reported that juvenile offenders were incarcerated like
adults and were subject to execution when committing a capital offense. The juvenile
justice system has come under increasing scrutiny as a growing number of juveniles are
involved in school violence, and gang-related violence (Howell, 2003). The juvenile
justice system provides programs that are supposed to treat a specific behavior that a
juvenile may encounter. However, despite the fact that juveniles are involved in a
proportionately small number of murders each year, violent crime committed by juveniles
elicits widespread media coverage (Howell, 2003).
Juvenile Delinquency Problems
The amount of people imprisoned in the United States is overwhelming.
FeistPrice, Lavergne, and Davis (2014) stated minorities consistently represent the most
significant percentage incarcerated in the United States. Thomas, Thomas, Burgason, and
Wichinsky (2014) reported that early contact with the criminal justice system is
associated with a persistent offending throughout life. Juvenile delinquency is a
recognized social problem across many societies (Boakye, 2013). Juvenile delinquency
quickly, in the 1990s developed into a crisis as the governments were presented with
increased numbers of delinquent and at-risk youth (Lahlah, Van der Knapp, Bogaerts, &
Lens, 2014). Lipscomb (2013) noted that juvenile delinquency has not improved, despite
reports suggesting that juvenile arrest has decreased. According to Ferrall (2001),
juvenile delinquency rates, beginning in the late 1980s through the early 1990s, began to
surge. During the mid-1990s, delinquency decreased and by 1999 the juvenile
delinquency rate increase again (Ferrall, 2003).
Aizer & Doyle (2015) suggested that juveniles’ incarceration rates have increased
faster than adult incarceration due to reintegrating to the same situations. It is uncertain
how the legislation would need to respond to juvenile violence, but action is required.
Can holding juveniles to more accountability and having a more severe penalty that looks
like the adult criminal justice system reduce crime? What happens when the youth returns
to their communities? What happens when the barriers encountered make it difficult for
them to engage in positive opportunities? How can the juvenile justice system ensure a
decrease in juvenile delinquency if the juvenile returns to the same environment? More
than a century has passed since the development of the first juvenile court and the system
still faces a bevy of questions and the need for solutions.
Many juveniles do not have a positive role model to guide them away from crime.
Therefore, juveniles are often exposed to dysfunctional parents, drugs, and peers that
serve as an obstacle (Demeter & Sibanda, 2017). In the United States, juvenile
delinquency is a wide-ranging social concern. Juveniles are being charged with criminal
violations which, if they were adults, would get probation or nothing at all, depending on
the violation. The prevalence of delinquent acts is seen most in urban areas. Ford, Kerig,
Desai, and Feierman (2016) along with Reed, Miller, and Novosel (2017) asserted that
youth incarceration rates in the United States are considerably higher than in other
countries. Also, Feist-Price et al. (2014) suggested that the United States has the highest
rate of incarcerated black males.
Research by Ford et al. (2016) also suggests that young people of color are
imprisoned at a disproportionate rate that suggests that more than two-thirds of
incarcerated youth are African Americans, Hispanic, or of mix race. Moreover, this
statistic is higher than the white youth. Ford et al. (2016) stated that the disproportionate
minority interaction with law enforcement has led youth from low socio-economic areas
into the U.S. juvenile justice system and has received different responses which have
included more arrests and more stringent penalties.
African Americans Juveniles in the United States
According to research, African Americans are disproportionately represented
among juvenile arrests in the United States. In research conducted by Evans, Simons, and
Simons (2014), it was suggested that African Americans living in poverty reported a
much higher level of involvement in delinquency and are much more likely to be arrested
than other racial youth. Voisin, Caitlin, Kim, Patel, and Cantara (2016) indicated that
African American youth, in particularly low-income areas, are at higher risk for
delinquency. Studies by both Boakye (2013) and Voisin et al. (2016) suggested that
variables, mainly from the individual and family domains, act as predictors in
determining risk factors. Over the past decade, more and more attention has been given to
the issues associated with at-risk youth, which includes youth age, crime, violence,
gender, substance abuse, depression, poor academic performance, and other issues that
may be detrimental to our youth’s survival (Buka & Earls 1993).
Evans et al. (2014) indicated that the presence of behaviors problems in childhood
and adolescence is one of the most influential predictors of adult crime. Therefore,
childhood and adolescence are very important when explaining the trajectories of a
youth’s life. Past research has indicated that socioeconomic factors are a contributor to
delinquency rates. Many states within the United States have had problems with juvenile
delinquency. In 2001, according to the National Center for Juvenile Justice (2017),
African Americans juveniles were incarcerated at a rate 4.1 times higher than white
juveniles. The National Center for Juvenile Justice (2017) reported in 2015 that the rate
increased for African Americans to 5 times more likely to be incarcerated than white
juveniles. Although during these years of 2001-2015 juvenile incarceration decreased,
there remains a disparity in the United States between African Americans juveniles and
white juveniles.
Juvenile Delinquency in the Southeast Region of the United States One
important trend to note in youth population is that the more youth population grows, the
growth of juvenile crime, detention, commitment, and recidivism in the Southeast Region
is more highlighted. The Southeast Region traditionally managed juveniles under the
rehabilitation model of justice (Department of Juvenile Justice, 2012). The aged-out age
in the Southeast Region juvenile justice system is 18. Once a juvenile has reached the age
of 18, the juvenile is no longer eligible for juvenile justice services.
The juvenile justice services for proceedings related to children were under the umbrella
of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative services (DJJ, 2012). The approach under
this agency was to provide social services to the child as well as to the family. In 1994,
this region shifted the juvenile justice system away from the social services model by
creating the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ, 2012). This newly acquired agency was
responsible for juvenile delinquency cases and children and family in need of services
(DJJ, 2012). Furthermore, the philosophy remained under DJJ by providing treatment
rather than punishment that the previous agency approached juvenile justice in the
Southeast region of the United States.
The Southeast Region juvenile justice model started to distance itself from the
social service model. In the year 2000, the Southeast Region of the United States
legislation created a provision related to juvenile delinquency cases known as the Tough
Love plan (DJJ, 2012). This plan shifted from the social service model toward a punitive
criminal method. The Tough Love plan was not intended to punish the juvenile, but to
use redirected behavior through rehabilitation.
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (2017) in the
Southeast Region of the United States reported in the years 2012-2017, a decrease in the
overall number of juvenile arrest each year. In 2012-2013, the reported number of youth
arrested was 85,495 (63,339 males) youth. The following year 2014, the number
decreased by 8% (78,275 overall, 58,862 males). The reported number of arrested youth
decreased again in 2015 with a 4% decrease (75,072 overall, 56,712 males). The trend
continued in 2016 (7% decrease, 69,869 overall and 53,601 male youths) and 2017 (7%
decrease, 64,824, overall and 49,684 male youths). The overall numbers suggest that
juvenile crime rates are on the decline. Although the numbers are correct, there is a
disparity in the number of African Americans juveniles that are arrested each year in the
Southeast Region of the United States.
For black males in the same years (2012- 2017) there was a decrease in the
amount of arrests. According to the Department of Juvenile Justice (2017), compared to
other youth in the fiscal year of 2016-2017, of those arrested, 52% (33,470) were black,
33% (21,448) were white, and 15% (9,668) was Hispanic. The disparity is very
noticeable despite the decrease in the arrest made over 5-years. The recidivism rates for
African American juveniles transferred to adult prisons in this region was 66% in 2017
(Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2017).
Southeast Central Region Delinquency Rates
In the Central part of this region during the 5-year span, according to Office of
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (2017), the reported number of all juveniles
that were arrested in 2012-13 was 36,759; in 2013-14 the number of arrests fell to 34,894;
in 2014-15 there was a slight decrease at 34,503; in 2015-16 the number of arrests was at
32,003; and, finally, in 2016-17 the Southeast Region had its most significant drop in 5
years at 28,713. During the same 5-year span, black juveniles did not share the same
decrease in the number of arrests. In fact, during this span, in year one, the percentage of
black youth arrest was at 46% (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention,
2017) This percentage increased over the next three years with the last year remaining the
same (48%, 49%, 51%, 51%) for black youth as compared to other races (Office of
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2017). There is a need to explore the
reasons this disparity exists. Research suggests that social and environmental factors play
a vital role in juvenile delinquency.
Social and Environment Factors
Barrett and Katsiyannis (2016) noted in their study that juvenile criminal activity
is a significant predictor of adult criminal behavior, and the youth that engages in juvenile
crime have a higher propensity to engage in an adult criminal behavior. There is a
concern with our youth that has faced more challenges in today’s world than ever before.
Factors such as social media were not considered in the early 20th century due to lack of
popularity. However, by the end of the 20th-century, social media began to gain some
popularity going into the 21st century.
Williams, Aiver, Durkee, and Tolan (2014) examined factors that contributed to
youth engaging in criminal activity. The authors studied whether stressors such as family
stress, discrimination, exposure to violence, criminal offending, maternal education, and
ethnicity were factors in engaging in criminal activity. The authors found in their research
that for youth living in low-income neighborhoods, the involvement in criminal activity
increases when multiple stressors are present.
Many other risk factors increase the chance of a juvenile committing a
delinquency act. Voisin et al. (2016) suggested that there is a relationship between family
stress and delinquent behavior. The researcher's study reported that youth who reported a
high level of family stress were 1.3 times more likely to engage in delinquent behavior
(Voisin et al., 2016). These additional risk factors included academic difficulties,
impulsivity, daring or risk-taking, empathy, substance abuse use, low religiosity,
inadequate supervision, large family size, divorce, peer influence, and family
socioeconomic condition. These factors present a likelihood that youths will commit
crimes.
With social factors such as family, school, peer involvement, and socioeconomic
status in the low-income areas, Weatherburn & Schnepel (2015) added that factors at the
parent level such as involvement, supervision, and inconsistent or harsh punishment have
also contributed to delinquency. Other social factors such as mental illness, living
arrangements, and attendance are likewise predictors related to the causes of juvenile
delinquency.
According to Khan (2016), there is a significant association between family
structure, social inequality, and peer group as they relate to a juvenile committing
delinquent acts. Young (2014) suggested peer influence and substance abuse are social
factors that are a link to juvenile delinquency. A contributing factor is a connection that
youths have with their peers and how that relationship influences risky behavior.
With low-income areas as a predictor of delinquency in the United States,
according to the U.S. Census (2017), and Safiedine & Chung (2018), African Americans
have the most significant percentage (22%) of the population living in poverty, which is
above the national poverty rate of 12.7% of all Americans living in poverty. Furthermore,
African Americans in low-income neighborhoods are among those that are remarkably
represented in the criminal justice system (Feist-Price et al., 2014). Overall, in the
Southeast Region, residents as of 2017 living in poverty is 14.7%, and African Americans
are at 16.9% (U.S. Census Bureau 2017). The Central part of the Southeast region
currently has a more significant percentage of African Americans living in poverty at
26.9%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (2017).
The income gap in the United States has significantly over the past 30 years
(Bates & Swan, 2018). Poverty influences violence more than any other delinquency.
Poverty can lead to extreme levels of stress and drives many individuals to commit
violent acts such as robberies, assaults, and other violent acts. Youth living in poverty
have less access to excellent schools, and the conditions of the neighborhood lead to
negative impacts thus being influenced by street gangs.
There has always been a link between unemployment and poverty and how that
relates to crime. However, most importantly, the connection between poverty and crime
has been consistent with one another. In other words, where poverty exists, crime also
exists. It is also crucial to take into account the primary ethnic groups that live in areas
that are impoverished. Williams et al. (2014) also noted that minority youths are more
likely to live in low-income areas and it is believed that the conditions of poverty are a
factor to crimes being committed. Shaw and McKay’s (1942) social disorganization
theory set out to understand the relationship between dwelling place and juvenile
delinquency rates (Moore & Sween, 2015). Their study used urban areas in a depressed
economy which suffer higher crime rates than neighborhoods with a healthy economy.
Williams et al. (2014) added that 60% of Blacks live in low-income areas and are
frequently among the male youth ethnicity that is frequently criminalized and assumed
dangerous. Robinson, Blackmon, and Rhodes, (2016) have also studied juvenile
delinquency in low socio-economic areas and suggested that it remains a problem in the
African American community. The circumstances that surround the low-socioeconomic
area is a contributing factor in crimes being committed. In adding to the structure of the
community, juveniles that live in this area are assumed to be a criminal.
The fact is, recidivism among juveniles is high in low- socio-economic areas, and
something must be done to reduce delinquency. Recidivism has been a persistent and
often controversial challenge in our justice system. Aizer and Doyle (2015) noted in their
study that once a juvenile is incarcerated, the likelihood of completing high school is
significantly lowered. The authors also noted that juvenile incarceration increases the
probability of adult incarceration.
Education plays an essential role in delinquency. It can be said that the more time
a youth spends at school, the less likely that youth will become a delinquent. There is a
concern in low socio-economic areas in the United States that many students are
performing below average in school and delinquency acts have a chance to increase. This
is a problem because if a juvenile is not performing well, they tend to engage in things
that grab their attention, such as criminal activity. If the parents do not set the example,
why would juveniles follow them? In cities that have low rates of graduating youths,
results have shown that less education meant more criminal offenses (Jones, 2002).
According to Lawrence (1998), schools have been cited as a source of
delinquency. When the attention is diverted into another aspect of life, there can be
positive outcomes that can lead to a quality of life. That is why the community is very
important in facilitating positive change. The church can assist to provide progress by
providing programs geared toward correct decision making. The church role in African
American juvenile for the majority has always been a factor in maintaining an
attachment.
African American Church
The role of the black church in working with juveniles should provide optimism
in the African American community. In the past, research has suggested that black
churches do not provide programs (Rubin, Billingsley, & Caldwell, 1994), but Dilulio
(1999) argued that black churches’ programs would help aid in reducing recidivism. The
black church is in a unique position to provide services for the youth. One reason is that
there are not many studies that examine programs, let alone spirituality in African
Americans, outside of substance use.
The faith-based programs provided by the church need more resources to continue
effective treatment in order to offer better services. Dilulio (1999) reported that ministries
such as the black church, receive no government assistance. The church has the potential
to benefit juveniles by offering skills that teach decision-making. If attention is devoted
to addressing factors that contribute to the increased recidivism, then the juvenile is less
likely to engage in delinquent behavior.
Research suggests that the African American’s religious belief was that cruelty
led to the dependence of spirituality as a result of slavery (Hunt & Hunt, 2001). Evans,
Cullen, Dunaway, and Burton (1995) reported that religion inhibits some kinds of illegal
behavior. Additionally, Evans, et al. (1995) reported that crime rates are depressed in
areas where there are many churches. The oppression was generating patterns of faith
through prayer, and God would free them from the constraints of the oppressor.
According to Johnson, Jang, De Li, and Larson (2000), numerous researchers concur that
the African-American church has been a significant institution in maintaining social
control and organization among black Americans (e.g., DuBois, 1898/1903; Frazier,
1963; Lincoln, 1974; Lincoln & Mamiya, 1990; Mukenge, 1983; Nelsen et al., 1971;
Paris, 1985; Washington, 1964).
Johnson et al. (2000) addressed in their literature whether an individual’s
association with a church in mainly African American churches buffers the effects of
criminal behavior. What Johnson et al. (2000) found when exploring the buffering effects
separately, is that church involvement played a role in providing a defense for criminal
activity. Churches are crucial to the growth of young black juveniles (Barry, Sutherland,
& Harris, 2006), but little research is presented on the church providing rehabilitation
programs for juveniles that commit delinquent acts.
Despite the remarkable body of literature, one area that needs more attention is
how the social bond theory applies to the relationship between juveniles and the church in
order to impede criminal activity. There is a need for more faith-based programs in
lowincome areas. A weak bond between the parent and child will likely result in an
increase in juvenile crime. The church can provide the necessary programs aimed at
giving young black juveniles another path. Thus, programs can lower recidivism, which
is of extreme significance. Hirschi’s (1969) SBT suggests that when bonds are attached,
crime is least likely to happen. The attachments with the church can provide a positive
route that is aimed at giving the juvenile another chance. Hirschi and Gottfredson (1995)
suggested that there is a link between bonds and self-control. That is to say, with weak
bonds there is low self-control, and with strong bonds, the individual is more likely to
have high selfcontrol.
Research has shown that African American juveniles have a relationship with
African American churches. Molock and Barksdale (2012) reported in their study that
when compared to Caucasian youth, African American youth place greater importance on
religion and are more likely to attend church and engage in prayer. Venable (2015) noted
that African Americans rely heavily on the church for faith and guidance. Venable (2015)
also suggests that the role of the religion can provide an attachment that advises
juveniles. Molock and Barksdale (2012) stated that there is a link between attending
church and juvenile delinquency rates decreasing, but it is not significant enough to make
a difference. If the faith-based programs are receptive to the juvenile’s need, it is possible
that the impact of the juvenile justice system would have a decrease of African
Americans detained. The opportunity that the church has in the African American
community can provide a sense of respect and status that could enhance the social skills,
and the results could impact the juvenile’s trajectory.
Studies Using the Social Bond Theory
The purpose of this current study was to explore how effective programs are at
keeping juveniles from criminal activity. Through faith-based initiatives, this study
examined how bonds are formed through relationships and how those relationships
sustain the juvenile from committing future crimes. The social bond theory, according to
Travis Hirschi (1969), implies that when bonds are attached, offenders are less likely to
engage in criminal activity. This theory posits that attachments could impact behavior,
thus creating a reduction in criminal activity among juveniles. Spruit, Van Vugt, Van der
Put, Van der Stouwe, and Stams (2016) researched sports effects on juvenile behavior.
The study examined Hirschi’s (1969) SBT and applied the elements of SBT to sports.
The study found that youth who are participating in sports have an attachment and are
less likely to get involved with delinquent behavior. This study builds upon previous
studies that have implemented the social bonding theory that posits the four restraints that
Hirschi (1969) suggested. The four restraints used to understand how relationships form
bonds are attachments, commitments, involvement, and belief (Hirschi, 1969).
Yang and Yang (2017), in their study about nonmedical drugs, suggested that
bonds with conventional institutions, such as religious institutions, have been shown to
reduce the risk of substance use. Yang and Yang’s (2017) research confirmed that
stronger bonds with conventional institutions did reduce the risk of substance use.
Longshore, Chang, and Messina (2005) performed a study that included the evaluation of
treatment programs and found that juveniles that reported offending tended to have
weaker conventional bonds with greater peer association. The result of the Longshore et
al. (2005) study was found to be in line with other research that juveniles with weak
bonds are more likely to get involved in delinquent behavior which, as a result, lack ties
to the conventional institution.
Gilmore, Rodriguez, and Webb (2005) used the social bond theory to understand
the importance of social bonds in juvenile drug court programs. They found that social
bonds did have an impact on juveniles completing the drug program. This study suggests
that when social bonds are present (e.g., family, peers, religion, and work), the juvenile is
more likely to complete a drug program. Existing research has demonstrated that
juveniles with strong social bonds to conventional institutions are less likely to engage in
delinquent behavior, thus supporting studies that provide programs in order to rehabilitate
individuals (Devall, Gregory, & Hartmann, 2012).
Summary
Throughout history in the United States, the juvenile justice system has faced
numerous changes in order to treat juveniles who are at-risk. These attempts have
included due process rights that have, in some shape, reformed the juvenile justice
system. Other modifications have occurred in the form of treatment. Although the
reformation has made some changes in the right direction, many questions still exist.
Although history has seen a growth of community-based programs, there is still a
need for more programs with people to whom the youth can trust. Although the church is
ideal, the public needs to be aware of the benefit of programs offered by a faith-based
institution. The concern for African American juvenile crime continues to grow. This
review of the literature has shed light on many factors that play a role in juvenile
delinquency.
The family plays the most important role in the development of a youth’s life. The
social learning theory suggests that you learn from those who are closest to you. The
development of a bond should be there from day one, and when there is a break in
attachment, it can lead to a juvenile becoming delinquent. The issue is: what role should
the parent and juvenile justice system play in a youth’s life? The issue with parents who
are single, or not involved in a youth’s life, increases the likelihood of a juvenile
becoming a delinquent. It is essential for parents to be involved especially if that juvenile
has a prior criminal history.
There is a long tradition of study that documents the critical role that religion has
on African Americans. Hunt and Hunt (2001) reported that the black church represents a
sanctuary due to a history of oppression. The church is a community that represents hope.
Crime offers a way in which impoverished people can obtain material goods they cannot
attain through legitimate means. Often, threat or force helps them acquire even more
goods, encouraging them to commit more violent acts such as robbery and rape.
For many poor people, the pleasure that crime generates may outweigh the risk of
being caught. The disparity of the number of African American juveniles incarcerated is
alarming. Such factors as poverty, race, employment, and education, play a role in
juvenile delinquency. Treatment in the juvenile justice system has been an option, but not
as effective as needed.
In 1994, legislature in the Southeast region of the United States enacted the
Juvenile Justice Act of 1994. This act created many programs and included a
reorganization and redefinition of the juvenile justice system regarding efficiency. This
legislation clearly defined the responsibility of the public school system in prevention,
education, and community reintegration of juvenile offenders.
The sources in Chapter 3 assisted in comparing a program offered by the juvenile
justice system and with a faith-based program to determine the effectiveness. This
chapter included a discussion, the research design and methodology. African American
male juveniles were interviewed. Included in this chapter is the methodology of the study,
the role of the researcher, how participants were recruited, ethical protection, and data
collection. The types and sources of data include conducting different kinds of interviews
such as face to face, and telephone interviews, as well as examining and comparing
secondary data on juvenile delinquency rates.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
Introduction
In this chapter, I discussed the research design, method, setting, sample size, data
collection, and the analysis. Measures was taken to ensure validity, trustworthiness, and
ethical considerations that help complete the examination strategy. The purpose of this
qualitative study was to explore the effectiveness of faith-based delinquency programs in
the effort to reduce juvenile recidivism rates in African American communities. More
specifically, I examined the effectiveness of faith-based juvenile delinquency programs in
low-income and low socio-economic areas in the Southeast region of the United States.
In the Southeast region, the age of eighteen is considered to be adult, and
therefore, under the age of eighteen is considered a juvenile. Therefore, I interviewed
youths between the ages of 10-17. I used face to face interviews with juveniles who have
participated in church programs to obtain a more in-depth analysis into the degree of how
the SBT contributes to the effectiveness of programs. The results of this study may
improve prevention techniques that can influence policymakers to evaluate the
effectiveness of faith-based juvenile delinquency programs when developing policies.
Research Design and Rationale
The following research questions guided this study: (a) What are the perceptions
of the participating juveniles regarding the effectiveness of faith-based programs?; What
outcomes do juveniles expect when they participate in faith-based initiatives?; and (b)
how does SBT (i.e., bonds formed with the staff and resulting from the programs offered)
add to the success of the program as perceived by juveniles?
Qualitative research is suitable for queries that explore the significance of
individuals connecting to their experiences (Gilgun, 2005). Creswell (2009) maintains
that qualitative researchers conduct investigations that produce common themes. The use
of a phenomenological design allowed for an in-depth understanding of the juveniles’
experiences of a program, as well as the role programs play in reducing recidivism.
Research has shown that studies involving the church while applying the SBT are limited,
but there are similar studies that have applied the SBT in their study. An extensive review
of the literature provided evidence that frequently supported both quantitative and
qualitative research design. Maxwell (2013) stated that qualitative research focuses on a
specific situation or people.
Qualitative research as explained by Ravitch and Carl (2016), seeks to discover
and describe people and what their actions mean to them. This current study requested the
perspectives about the program’s effectiveness for the use of helping juvenile recidivism
rates. Qualitative research can be cost effective. Qualitative research also allows the
researcher to have firsthand interactions with the participants. Ravitch and Carl (2016)
suggested that qualitative designs are used for the researcher understanding, as well as the
background in which the participants have an issue (Ravitch & Carl, 2016). Babbie
(2015) discussed how qualitative studies involve examining social research data that is
not converted into numerical analysis.
In an effort for this study to offer the proper prevention method for African
American juveniles, face to face interviews with juveniles provided a meaningful insight
about the programs that are offered. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used
in this study in order to explain how effective the programs are in achieving prevention.
There are many integral parts of qualitative studies that can be used to support this
current research such as case studies, ethnography, phenomenological, and grounded
theory. Phenomenological studies research can be used to describe how people
experience a particular situation in order to address the problem. Although the integrity of
the research limits phenomenological studies due to the primary data collection, the
strengths that are produced from a phenomenological approach outweigh the limitation.
Phenomenological studies can generate rich and complete descriptions of a phenomenon
being research. Another advantage is that it is most often conducted in the natural setting.
This helps describe the data in the natural environment and helps capture real-life
responses to a certain situation. The limitations of a phenomenological study are often
associated with bias views that may influence the results of the study. Yin (1984)
discussed case studies as being labeled as being long and not being able to generalize the
case.
Phenomenology research can be used to explain events in order to gain a more
indepth understanding. This approach describes how people experience certain situations.
One of the advantages of qualitative phenomenology research is that it attempts to set
aside biases and assumptions and I believe that phenomenological research can be used to
explore, explain, or describe a phenomenon. Phenomenological research design was
chosen method for this study.
The research questions were designed to further the understanding of faith-based
initiatives through the juvenile’s experiences with the programs that are offered by the
church. No qualitative research focuses on the experiences of African American youth in
the Southeast region of the United States concerning faith-based programs. The research
provided a voice for African American youths in order for policymakers to have another
option and to gain valuable insight. I recognized a significant area of concern in the lack
of studies involving programs within the church. Ethnography research offers a narrative
approach by eliciting the participant to tell a story based on their experiences (Creswell,
2012). Given the objectives presented in this study, an ethnographic research method was
used.
Role of the Researcher
I have worked with the juvenile population in some capacity for two years at the
Department of Children and Families (DCF), and this population was designed to work
with individuals who at the time of their appearance in court, were incompetent to
proceed to trial. This facility provided therapy and programs geared toward competency.
The commitment to a DCF facility provides competency restoration services to juveniles
who have been charged with a felony. My job experiences have allowed firsthand
knowledge and have motivated my interest in understanding the lack of effectiveness that
programs provide. This study allowed juveniles to offer their perceptions on treatment
programs that can help reduce the ongoing problem of recidivism. The role of a
researcher is to have face to face interviews and observe the group meetings.
Researchers must promote trust with the participants to boost correct responses
(Oplatka, 2018). The role of the researcher is to avoid biases. According to Ellefsen
(2017), bias is defined as any deviation from the validity and the position that the
researcher takes towards the influence of the outcome of the study. Biased thoughts could
have influenced the outcome of this study if I held preconceived impressions about the
effectiveness of the program, or did not select participants who were most appropriate to
provide the necessary information. Another type of bias that can occur is interview bias.
Therefore, the interviewer should not devise interview questions that promote specific
emotion and disrespect others (Oplatka, 2018).
Oplatka (2018) suggested that interviewers must know the questions that are
asked may be susceptible and the participant might not be very comfortable talking about
their feelings. Furthermore, the researcher should not develop a bias based on the
information that the participant may or may not give. It is important to note that bias can
be controlled by not including personal feelings throughout the research process and by
presenting all information to the participants about the purpose of the study. More
importantly, the researcher has to remain blind to any result of the study.
The qualitative phenomenological approach as an interviewer allowed information
to be gathered directly and indirectly respectfully. The primary task of a researcher is not
to allow personal feelings or values to influence the outcome of the study. A research
study has to be authentic, and the results should reflect unbiased information. Research
has shown that African Americans have placed an emphasis on religion. This study gave
voice to an alienated group of juveniles and their respected communities they embody to
be understood. In this study, I examined the effectiveness of programs within a faith-
based institution that detailed the perspectives of juveniles that describe the effectiveness
of preventive programs based on their experiences with the programs being offered.
Methodology
Population Selection
African American male youth are arrested at a higher rate than any other race in
the Southeast region of the United States. The population consisted of juveniles who have
participated in faith-based programs offered by the church in the Southeast region of the
United States. The recruitment started with a recruitment flyer that addressed the parents
first, and then the juvenile second, that listed details about who is eligible, the location of
the research, how to contact the researcher, and the purpose of the current study. The age
of each participant ranged from 10-17-years-old. The parents of the youth contacted me
per the flyer instructions.
During the initial contact with the parents, I reiterated the purpose of the study and
the significance of the study. All questions on the flyer were asked to the parent about
their child’s eligibility to determined participation. I also told the parents during the initial
contact that this current study was confidential and that no medical, educational, or any
specific criminal activity would be asked of their child. There was a statement to the
parents and the participating youth about withdrawing from the study at any point during
the interview. After gaining verbal permission from the parents to talk with their child,
this researcher then spoke to the juvenile about the current study and asked if they had
any questions, comments, or concerns.
I assured all participants that all information gained from this research would not
be given to anyone outside of Walden University per IRB policy. This researcher also
stated that names would not be used. Protection in this study was as follows: a private
room in the church center, names were not used in the current study, and the information
collected during the data collection stage will be password protected and stored in a
fireproof safe.
After the initial contact, a date for the interviews was set. During the interview
process, this researcher had parents sign the parent consent form consenting to allow their
child to participate in this research study. The parents were also able to view the assent
form for their child and sign the assent form with the participant. I again provided the
information about the purpose of this research as well as the risk of the study. This
researcher then lists some of the risks associated with this study.
I obtained signed consent forms from the parents in order to start the data
collection process. After the signatures of the parents were obtained, then this researcher
told the juveniles about the current study, risk associated with the study, and provided
information about confidentiality. The parent and assent forms also provided information
about the present research, and both parent and their child signed each form.
Subsequently, during the interviews, this researcher restated the purpose of the study,
confidentiality, risk associated with this study, and the withdrawal procedures. All
juvenile participants were recruited based on their interaction with the church youth
programs. The idea is to see if the social bond theory, through a preventive program
offered by the church, can serve in reducing recidivism. I used purposeful sampling to
enlist twenty-one African Americans who participated in church initiatives.
Sample
According to Ravitch and Carl (2016), the qualitative research method is an
indepth design that attempts to understand people or phenomena in their natural settings
in ways that are reflected by the meaning that people make out of their own experiences.
Saturation is an important factor in qualitative research. The sample size must have an
adequate number of participants.
Juveniles in this study provided the best source of information by providing good
answers based on their viewpoint of the program’s effectiveness. The phenomenological
design is the approach that was utilized, and this designed focused on in-depth face to
face interviews with juveniles located in the Southeast region area of the United States.
There was one faith-based initiative (Church) examined and this researcher conducted
twenty-one face to face interviews with juveniles at this location. The reason for
interviews with the juvenile population is that the youth's perception of faith-based
programs elicited open discussions that provided a good description of their experiences
with the faith-based program. I believe in order to gain thick, rich, and meaningful
perceptions of faith-based initiatives, interviews with juveniles provided the best answer
for the research questions.
To overcome bias in sampling, the researcher did provide a good definition of the
purpose of the study to the target group, eliminate prejudgment, and make sure that the
recruitment group is accessible. As a researcher, personal biases must be placed aside for
the integrity of this study and keep an open mind when collecting data. Additionally,
bracketing was used to eliminate research bias or undeserved influences in order to make
sure that the juveniles are allowed to express their viewpoint without interruption.
Furthermore, a researcher should not allow their level of understanding or experiences on
a particular subject affect the study. More importantly, I allowed research participants to
review transcripts from the interviews in order to check for accuracy.
The sample size of twenty-one interviewees is suitable according to McGivern
(2003) who suggested that sample sizes of twenty are appropriate to understand
interviewees’ perception on a topic. Furthermore, saturation is reached within this range
and themes are developing to see patterns in the data set to determine the effectiveness of
the programs offered by faith-based initiatives. This research study developed themes and
accurately describe common information that indicated success or lack of success in
faith-based programs. Phenomenological study affords the researcher an opportunity to
examine significant statements that may help policymakers have a better understanding of
programs being placed in a church.
A letter was submitted to the pastor of the church explaining the purpose of the
research and the request was approved by the pastor of the church. A letter was submitted
to the parents of each juvenile who participates in the study. Consent forms was
distributed to obtain written permission from each participant. Before the interview
process started, a verbal explanation was explained indicating the purpose of the study.
The consent form allowed the participants to make a sound decision about participating in
the research. I was permitted permission from the Institutional Research Board (IRB) to
start recruiting the participants.
Sampling Strategy
A sampling strategy allows the researcher to select participants from a
population. The faith-based organization provided the participants (juveniles) for this
study. The sampling technique that was used in this study will be purposeful sampling.
Patton (2002) provided a definition that states that purposeful sampling is selecting
information-rich data cases that allow insight into the problem. Determining a research
setting is essential in establishing a relationship. Participants are most comfortable in
familiar settings and can provide their best answer to the research questions.
The study location was in the Southeast region of the United States at a place that
was comfortable to the participant. The most preferable location is the African American
Baptist church where the programs take place. The target group are juveniles who
participate in programming with their respected church. This study included face to face
interviews about the perception of each juvenile participant’s view on programs offered
by the church, and the effects these programs have on recidivism. According to Patton
(2002), purposeful sampling allows the researcher to select the number of members that
will help the purpose of the research. For this study, purposeful sampling was defined as
juveniles from the age of ten years or older. The target number of participants will be
twenty-one. According to Marshell, Cardon, Poddar, and Fontenot (2013), 21 participants
is a target number in range for data saturation. Each participant was asked open-ended
questions in order to have a better understanding of the effectiveness of faith-based
programs. For this research, saturation transpired when no further information added to
the exploration.
Instrumentation
I designed an interview data sheet that was used in collecting data. This study
consisted of face to face interviews at one African American church and used open-ended
questions. I used a digital recording device with extra batteries and had a backup
recording device available in case of a problem with the first recording device. The
interview questions are designed to collect the necessary knowledge and experiences of
the participants. In order to ensure credibility, I did enact record keeping of the juveniles’
verbatim description of the program, in order to ensure the analyses of data is dependable
and transparent to support the findings. Moreover, inviting juveniles to comment on the
interview transcript did create validation.
The foundation for this qualitative phenomenological approach was the juveniles’
responses to the interview questions. The interview questions that was asked are as
follows:
1. How long have you attended church programs?
2. What has been your experience while attending church programs?
3. When you first started the program, what was your expectation about the
program?
4. Now that you have been in the program, what is your expectation now?
5. In your experience and knowledge with the church programs, are church
programs helpful in keeping you from committing delinquent acts? If so,
how?
6. Describe your relationship with the church staff that provides the program
services.
7. Are the church staff important to your success in not committing crimes?
8. Describe how the church program allowed you to overcome challenges and
problems that may have played a role in your decision making?
9. Based on your knowledge, is there anything else that would be useful to this
current research?
During the interview, some participants were not able to provide meaningful
responses, therefore, probing questions follow the interview question. The probing
questions was asked to the juvenile participant. Examples of the probing questions are:
(a) can you to express to me more information? (b) can you give an example, and (c) why
are you feeling this way?
Data Collection
The interviews were face to face within the African American Baptist churches
and lasted approximately 20-30 minutes. 21 participants were used for this research.
During the data collection process, this researcher used a recording device, as well as take
notes. The recording device is in place for more details that may have been missed during
the note-taking. Rubin and Rubin (2012) suggested that in-depth qualitative interviewing
researchers are better able to explore in detail the perspectives of others who may not
have the same viewpoint. Interviews also help to reconstruct events by putting together
descriptions from different interviewees which aid in creating a picture (Rubin & Rubin,
2012). There are benefits of face to face interviews, such as developing trust with all
participants, which will help when follow-up questions are asked in order to obtain more
information from the respondent. I did used follow-up questions to obtained more
information about church programs.
The semi-structured interviews took place at the church impact center in the
Southeast Region United States. I asked each participant nine questions about church
programs. Each questions were asked in the same order to each individual. The interview
lasted about 20-30 minutes. The interview questions help to facilitate a more in-depth
discussion of each juvenile perspective regarding church programs. At the conclusion of
the conversation each participant was appreciated for their participation in this study. The
follow-up procedures were explained to each individual upon the conclusion of the
interview if I needed more information.
Interview Protocol
The main goal of this research was to gather information through interviews about
the live experiences of twenty-one African American, male offenders. The protocol for
the interview consisted of nine open ended questions for each participant to answer. All
participants were given the same amount of time with no pressure to answer each
questions. The interview questions were designed to act as a guide to ensure a researcher
gather the in-depth responses that qualitative research are designed. Due to juveniles
being a vulnerable population, the research was conducted in a private area, one on one
interview, and recorded using an audio tape recorder to record their responses to the
interview questions. The use of telephone interviews was an option for each participant.
For this study, telephone interviews were not needed as all participants participated in
face to face interviews.
For this study, a full disclosure was provided. All participants were given an
abundant amount of information about the research during recruitment and before each
individual partook in the interview process. The informed consent form consisted of the
choice to voluntarily participate or not, the capacity to understand the information, and
the withdrawal process. The risk identified with this study was the painful experiences of
no one caring and the potential of maxing out of the program at the age of eighteen. The
risk provoked feelings of being alone, anxiety, and discomfort. The participants overall
believe that the program at the church gives them hope and they do not want to
disappoint the church staff who provides the programming. It is important to note that the
juvenile population is a protective and vulnerable group therefore, any identifiable
information was not nor will be disclosed. A list of community resources was provided to
the participants should they need counseling.
Data Analysis
Data analysis should always contain a complete and precise document that is
written exactly like you are going to read the transcript (Rubin & Rubin, 2012). Preparing
a transcript allows more information to support the research questions. More importantly,
trying to remember information can be time-consuming. Transcribing is defined by
Hesse-Biber (2010) as written notes, field notes, recordings, and visual data, as well as
any other supporting documents. This research focused on participants providing their
perception on the effectiveness of the programs that the church provides for youth. In this
study, I explored whether juveniles feel that programming helps them not to commit
crimes. Information that is provided by the respondents’ interview can provide in-depth,
rich data. Rich data can reveal feelings and action through interviews and can assist in
providing data about the effectiveness that programs have on recidivism.
Hesse-Biber (2010) suggested that the researcher is the data collection instrument
when interviewing participants. During the interview process for this study, codes and
themes develop. There are numerous ways in which a researcher can code the data in a
qualitative study. I used inductive coding. Hesse-Biber, (2010) suggest that inductive
coding is a type of qualitative data in which codes emerge from the content of the raw
data. The data was coded by the interviewer’s transcript as well as from the notes, with
the goal of using the data to answer the research questions presented in this study.
The method I used was open-ended interview questions. The information
collected was managed and stored on an USB flash drive. The data included interviews
generated from the interviews. All information from the interviews was coded, listed and
group into categories. A daily binder was kept of every meeting with each participant that
included the data site location, the date, time, and any additional comments as well as
concerns the participants asked. More overly, all data collected was stored in a fireproof
safe and combination lock. I used HyperTRANSCIBE software to organize the audio
files. HyperTRANSCIBE allows the researcher to listen to the audio during transcription
and type notes while the audio is playing (Hesse-Biber, 2010). This software also allows
a researcher to record the time of occurrence and add shortcuts to speed up the
transcription process (Hesse-Biber, 2010).
Issues of Trustworthiness
Patton (2002) and Arsovska (2008) suggested that triangulation is used to obtain
confirmation of findings through the convergence of different perspectives in order to
improve the credibility of the research. Creswell & Miller (2000) identified strategies for
validity: prolonged engagement and persistent observation, triangulation, negative case
analysis, clarifying, member check, rich, thick description, external audits, and peer
review and debriefing. Triangulation was used in this research to corroborate information
from different participants’ perspective.
Member checking allows the participants to verify the accuracy and credibility of
the study (Creswell, 2012). According to Stake (1995), member checking plays a very
important role that should allow participants an active role during the research. Member
checking was included in this research in order to allow participants to review the
interview document to ensure the accuracy of all the information that was given. After
each interview, participants were allowed to view the transcript and make the appropriate
changes.
A detailed description of a research finding enables readers to transfer information
to other settings (Polit & Beck, 2012). Lincoln & Guba (1985) discussed the
responsibility of the researcher to provide a rich, thick description in order for the reader
to apply the findings of a study to a specific setting. In this study, I used transferability to
enable readers to transfer information to other settings. This study provided a clear
description of the selection process, background of the study, as well the setting.
Confirmability is established when the data accurately reflects the information
provided by the participants Polit & Beck, 2014). This allows the results to be
corroborated by other researchers. Confirmability was addressed in this study to ensure
the accuracy of the participants’ responses. I also conducted crosschecking of codes from
the transcripts.
Ethical Procedures
I acquired approval to conduct this current analysis from Walden University
Institutional Review Board before data collection began. Walden University’s approval
number for this current study is 07-30-19-0682489. This research was conducted on the
premise that African American youth requires some type of intervention in order to
reduce the recidivism rate in the Southeast region of the United States. The thought
before conducting this research was that more information is needed to examine
programs in the church. In this case, juveniles who participate in the faith-based
programming at the church was interviewed and they provided their perception of the
effectiveness of the programs within the church. I used the phenomenological approach
and reduced researcher bias by including the participants to collaborate information and
provide feedback during the interviewing process. A fireproof safe and combination lock
that will house the interview recording, interview transcript, and a flash drive with a
protected-password will ensure the privacy of each individual interview. Walden
University has a 5-year IRB requirement to keep all data. After the minimum amount of
time has been met, I will remove all data from the flash drive, as well as interviews.
I followed the American Psychological Association (APA) 6th edition Manuel
and the Walden University Institutional Review Board (IRB) policies and procedures
during this research. This study identified the purpose and the measure taken for the
protection of the participants. The guidelines set forth by Walden University IRB, as well
as the APA 6th edition Manuel, were used in this study to confirm ethical procedures. For
informed consent, this researcher followed the APA and IRB principles during the
recruitment stage. A good researcher will include in the informed consent an explanation
of the objective of the study, the risk, and how the data will be collected. This researcher
used informed consent. The participants’ and their parents’ signatures solidified the
agreement to take part in the study. Oral consent was also a part of the ethical standards
for participation. More importantly, an explanation of the right to withdraw from
participation at any time was covered. All participants in this research was assured of
confidentiality and anonymity. Also, all interviews were recorded using a tape recorder to
describe the perception of each response accurately.
Summary
The purpose of the research was to discover how effective the faith-based
initiatives are in reducing recidivism among African American male juveniles. The study
explored African American juveniles’ perception in order to determine whether or not
faith-based initiatives are effective at reducing recidivism. This study used a qualitative
phenomenological study approach utilizing Travis Hirschi’s social bond theory as a
theoretical foundation. The purpose of this chapter was to provide a detailed methodology
that discussed the research design, method, data collection, and analysis. In this chapter, I
provided the role the researcher fulfilled, as well as the necessary precaution to ensure the
validity, confidentiality, and protection of each participate participating in this research
study. In Chapter 4, the analysis of the face to face
interviews is presented.
Chapter 4: Results
Introduction
The purpose of this study was to examine the faith-based initiatives from the lived
experiences of juveniles who are attending the programs to see the effectiveness that
church programs have on youth committing delinquent acts. In this examination, I
examined whether church programs affect whether or not juveniles commit delinquent
acts. Twenty-one African American males shared their lived experiences about church
programs. This research may lead to positive social changes by emphasizing the impact
of church programs have on reducing juvenile delinquency. The research questions were
the following: “What is the perception of participating juveniles regarding the
effectiveness of faith-based programs?” “What outcomes do juveniles expect when they
participate in faith-based initiatives?,” and “How does SBT (i.e., bonds formed with the
staff as a result of the programs offered) add to the success of the program as perceived
by juveniles?”
The data were examined and linked back to the research questions to illustrate the
perceptions of the twenty-one African American males regarding their participation in
church programs and how the programs impact their decision not to commit delinquent
acts. This chapter includes a discussion of the research setting, demographics, data
collection, data analysis, evidence of trustworthiness, results, summary, and transition to
Chapter 5. I used HyperTranSCRIBE to analyze the information contained in this
research. HyperTranSCRIBE was also used to code the data to help identify themes,
phrases, patterns, and provided insight into the participants’ perspectives about whether
church programs aid in them not committing delinquent acts. Similarities among themes
and categories from the interviews transpired and afforded insight on church programs.
Chapter 4 includes a description the research setting in which the research was
conducted. I discuss the demographics of twenty-one participants. Moreover, I present a
description of the data collection process as well as the analysis procedure, including
themes, codes, and categories that arose from the data. Trustworthiness was established in
this research and is outlined in this study. Lastly, I address the research questions and
provide evidence to support the findings.
Research Setting
This church location is in the Southeast region of the United States which is the 5th
largest area in this state. This church is intended to provide programs for the youth in
order for them to be successful. This church has about 40 youth participating in programs.
Youth members are considered to be between the ages of 10-17. The research tool used to
gather data included nine open-ended interview questions that captured the live
experiences of juveniles who volunteered to share their thoughts:
1. How long have you attended church programs?
2. What has been your experience while attending church programs?
3. When you first started the program, what was your expectation about the
program?
4. Now that you have been in the program, what is your expectation now?
5. In your experience and knowledge with the church programs, are church
programs helpful in keeping you from committing delinquent acts? If so,
how?
6. Describe your relationship with the church staff that provides the program
services.
7. Are the church staff important to your success in not committing crimes?
8. Describe how the church program allowed you to overcome challenges and
problems that may have played a role in your decision making?
9. Based on your knowledge, is there anything else that would be useful to this
current research?
Interviews took place at the church located in the Southeast region of the United
States. First, I sent an email to the youth pastor in the Southeast United States to discuss
the proposed research study. A meeting with the youth pastor was set up to discuss the
investigation. The youth pastor approved, and a flyer was displayed at the church facility
in the Southeast United States asking for a juvenile participant to participate in this
research study (see Appendix A). The interview room where the interviews took place
was very private, quiet, and free from interruption. The lightning in the private room was
very well lit. The tables that the church provided were round and very sturdy, with no
noise.
I conducted 21 face to face interviews and asked the same nine questions that
were previously emailed to the juveniles. I also had extra copies if the participant needed
another copy. All conversations were recorded using a Sony digital Voice recorder. Each
participant was reminded that a transcript of the written interview would be available to
them once transcribed.
Demographics
The participants were recruited based on their involvement with African
American church programs, and self-identifying as a juvenile and African American
male. I set up a meeting to discuss the necessary consent methods and implementation
strategy with the pastor. A subsequent meeting was set up with the pastor to post a flyer
to recruit juvenile participants. This church has about 40 youth participating in programs.
Youth members are considered to be between the ages of 10-17. The research tools used
to gather data included nine open-ended interview questions that captured the live
experiences of juveniles who volunteered to share their thoughts.
To begin the study, I posted invitation flyers in the church’s rectory because of the
potential participants’ ages. Participants were able to contact me by email or by phone per
the instruction on the flyer. After approximately two weeks, parents of the potential
participants contacted me through email. I had a brief discussion through email to ensure
that participants were eligible based on the criteria for the study. Once eligibility was
established, the parent and the participating juvenile and I worked on possible dates for
interview sessions, which were convenient for participants in terms of cost and time.
Participants were available on late evenings and weekends since all are attending school.
Before the interview process began, the parents signed a consent form to allow
their child to participate. I ensured protection from pressure to participate by telling each
participant (also written on the consent form and the assent form) they have the right to
withdraw from the study at any time even during the interview with no question ask. The
flyer also indicated that participation is on volunteer bases in which the parent of the
participant will only respond to the flyer if they want to participate. All participants were
reassured that all information would be confidential and that their response to any
question would not be released to anyone outside of Walden. Additionally, the
participants were also assured that all information would be in a fireproof safe, and the
information is password protected.
The parents were also able to view the assent form for their child and sign the
assent form with the participant. This researcher again provided information about the
purpose of this research as well as any risk associated with this current study. I then
expressed some of the risks associated with this study to both the parents and their child.
After all information was explained about this study, the interview process started.
Participants were eager to share their stories and told me that they were willing to
participate. Based on my observations, there were no apparent personal problems
experienced by participants that affected or influenced the outcome of the study.
Participants did not share any current stories that indicated that they were experiencing
any negative personal issues that affected them from recalling and sharing their thoughts
about their juveniles’ program participation. All participants participated in this study,
and no one removed themselves from the study. I reiterated at the end of the interview to
all participants that all information attained from this research would not be given to
anyone outside of Walden University per IRB policy. The safeguards for this study are
that all data collected in this study will not be distributed to any external source per
Walden University IRB policy.
I used purposeful sampling to enlist 21 African Americans who participated in
church initiatives. I did interview 5 participants who were 10 years of age, 3 participants
age 11, 1 participant 12-years-old, 3 participants 13 years of age, 3 participants 14 years
of age, 3 participants 15 years of age, 2 juvenile 16 years of age, 2 participants 16 years
of age, and 1 17-year-old. Creswell (2013 noted that studying individuals who
experienced the same phenomenon works well with purposeful sampling.
I also stated that there is a gift card provided to them for their time and
contribution. I also explained to each participant that they could withdraw from the study
at any time during the interview. There was also an explanation about refusing to answer
any question that made each participant feel uncomfortable. To maintain privacy, I used
pseudonyms: I collected demographic information on a form to enhance the interview
process.
Table1
Demographic Information
P1 14 5 months Single Mother
P2 12 3 months Single Mother
P3 13 1 year Single Mother
P4 14 1 year Single Mother
P5 15 1 year Single Mother
P6 16 9 months Single Mother
P7 11 3 months Single Mother
P8 10 4 months Single Mother
P9 10 6 months Single Mother
P10 15 7 months Single Mother
P11 16 8 months Two Mother, Father
P12 11 7 months Single Mother
P13 10 3 months Single Father
P14 13 9 months Single Mother
P15 13 11 months Single Mother
P16 11 10 months Single Mother
P17 15 10 months Single Mother
P18 10 7 months Two Mother, Father
P19 10 2 months Single Mother
Age Program length Single or two parent Parent
P20 1 year 2 months Single Mother
P21 1 year 3 months Single Mother
Data Collection
Participant recruitment occurred over a two-week period from November to
December. Participants were recruited for this study through a recruitment flyer that was
posted at the church in November. The data collection process initially started with each
participant contacting this researcher either with a call or through email displayed on the
flyer. The parents consented first, and then the juvenile agreed to participate in the
interview process. I desired to gain an understanding of church programs and how these
programs affect juvenile decisions. The original plan was to perform this current research
at three different faith-based church program locations. Although three churches gave this
researcher a verbal commitment, this researcher was not able to get written permission. I
had trouble obtaining consent from churches in the Southeast region of the United States.
I was able to get permission from the current researched church. All participants that
contributed to this study also participated in a faith-based initiative provided by this
church.
I did not start the data collection process until the Walden University IRB granted
approval. This researcher provided information about the study in person before
beginning the interview, and I allowed the participants to voice any concerns before
proceeding. I thanked each participant before and after the meeting. I asked each
participant the same interview questions with the same order. The interview questions
(Appendix B) empowered the participants to provide as much information as needed. The
extent of the interviews was between 20-30 minutes. During the data collection process,
none of the juveniles withdrew from the study at any point during the interview process.
During the interview, fourteen participants combine their answers for some of the
questions. This researcher was able to perform each meeting without interruptions. Each
participant only interviewed once.
I was able to form a relationship with each participant during the initial contact
period for this research and during the interview procedure. During the interview process,
I took handwritten notes to record their facial expression as well as their body language.
Furthermore, I analyzed each interview to determine similarities between each
participant. Some conversations were combined in the participant profile section. Three
sets of interviews were similar in thoughts; moreover, this researcher labeled each
individual as follows: (ex: P5 and P7, P4, P3, and P10, P15).
The church provided a private, convenient, and comfortable setting to help each
juvenile feel safe. The programs offered by this church uses a model called STEAM. The
STEAM concept allows the minor to find power in self-discovery by combining
mentoring with educational goals. The program is focused on developing critical thinking
skills, cognitive skills, and problem-solving skills. Through this creative process, the
juveniles understand how to be a learner and a leader with the idea of becoming an
innovator. The program aims to keep its participants out of trouble. During the
interviews, twenty-one juveniles express their desire to focus on the three concepts
(critical thinking, cognitive and problem-solving skills) to succeed in the present and
future. Each youth was able to speak freely about church programs and how it affects
their decisions. All interview questions were provided to each participant on a sheet of
paper. Each participant answered the question on paper first and then responded again
during the interview process. The purpose of writing their answers out is to make each
participant feel relax and confident without having the pressure to answer a question that
they have not seen. During the interview, each participant was able to give more
information about each question than what was written on paper. The participants were
able to provide an excellent answer to each question. A total of nine questions were
asked, with each response of the participants being recorded. All information collected
was stored and locked in a fireproof cabinet for five years, according to Walden's IRB
policy.
When all the data was collected, I began to transcribe all the information. During
the transcription stage, this researcher read over the notes, listened to the interviews of
the participant, listened again, and reread notes several times to highlight significant
statement that was relevant to each participant experience. Each significant account was
color-coded to represent a possible theme. Next, I made a list of phrases that provided a
representation of each participant's feelings. The phases provided an understanding of
how the participants experienced church programs. Data saturation and shared themes
were attained from the 21 participants, with similar experiences and perceptions
documented to demonstrate stability in the data.
Participants
I conducted a study that captured the experiences in the Southeast Region of the
United States of juvenile’s view of church programs and how the church programs affect
decision making. All twenty-one participants shared their thoughts about the program and
about the staff that teaches the program. To provide a new understanding of the
qualitative phenomenology design and add further information to the field of behavior
science, I provided each perspective by asking juveniles nine questions about the program
and staff. The staff consists of the pastor, the youth pastor, and three staff members that
work daily to ensure that the needs of the juveniles are met. This study provided
protection and confidentiality; therefore, if needed, the names will be referred to as a
participant and a number (P1, P2, P3, example). During the interview procedure, themes
develop from each participant interview. The program hours are from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Monday –Friday. I conducted twenty-one meetings at the church facility in a private
room.
Interview Questions
Interview Question 1
How long have you attended church programs?
I interviewed twenty-one participants, and all participants answered this question.
Each participant number of months or years ranges from 3 months to 15 months (one
year and three months). The age range of each participant is between 10 -17. All but two
of the participants live with a single parent (19), and of the juveniles live with a single
parent, one lives with his father only. All participants participated in answering their
longevity in church programs.
Interview Question 2
What has been your experience while attending church programs?
Out of the twenty-one participants, eighteen participants reported that the
experience has been great and that the church programs give them a sense of hope. The
participants also reported that the programs provide them with some power to do better.
To sum up all the thoughts of the participants concerning this interview question,
participants reported that the church cares about their well-being as well as their future.
P1 stated, "My desire to be better has changed despite my own family not wanting to
have anything to do with me because I have made bad choices." Other participants
reported similar phrases such as "My experience has been wonderful," "Effective"
Challenging me to be good," and "I can't wait for school to be out so I can come here."
The two participants reported the experience as either okay or not harmful. P4 is a
14year-old male that has attended the program for about 4 months. P4 suggests that his
experience has been up and down. He stated that "While I believe that the church
program is helpful, I just believe that it is the person. I do know that people help others
become better, but as for me, it does not make a difference. I do have some fun
sometimes".
Interview Question 3
When you first started the program, what was your expectation about the
program?
This interview question was asked to all twenty-one participants, and each
juvenile answered the question. seven participants said that they did not have an
expectation but were open to what the program had to offer. P3 stated that "When I first
started the program, I did not know what to expect. I just saw a bunch of new people
telling me about the programs that they were giving us". 10 participants reported that they
hoped to learn something that can help them be successful. four participants suggested
that they did not know what to expect, or they did not have an opinion about the program
but was told some of the things that they would do, and the four participants said that they
still did not know what to expect. P9 is a 10-year-old male juvenile and has attended the
church program for 6 months. He said that "I didn't know much about what I thought
when I first got here, but I did like some of the things they said." I asked P9 what things?
He said the "technology part they mention. They said, "we would get to play games the
last day of each week if we do good."
Interview Question 4
Now that you have been in the program, what is your expectation now?
12 participants reported that they believe that the programs are working because
they are staying out of trouble in school as well as not committing any illegal acts even
after they become an adult. For example, P21, a 17-year-old juvenile male who reported
that he had been given a second chance, suggested that sometimes people in his family
give up on him because he has been in trouble a lot. He stated, "the staff continues to
provide programs that even when I mess up they still are they trying to teach me”. His
initial feelings about being in the program was that he had hope to learn something that
will help his decision-making as he moves forward through the program, he expects to
keep learning, and he expects the staff to keep pushing him in the right direction. P20, a
14-year-old male juvenile, stated that "I have been in the program for about 1 year and a
couple of months, and I have learned so much, so I just want to keep coming because I
have fun and it keeps me out of trouble". P1 stated that "I hope that the program goes on
for a long time because I can come here instead of home." nine participants suggested,
although they expect the message in the program to be effective in keeping them from
making bad decisions, ultimately, it is the staff that they expect to be effective when
teaching the programs.
Interview Question 5
In your experience and knowledge with the church programs, are church programs
helpful in keeping you from committing delinquent acts? If so, how?
All participants reported that the church program they attend is beneficial in their
decision not to commit delinquent acts. For example, P2 is a 12-year-old juvenile male,
and he stated, "the church programs make me a believer in myself, and I am happier when
I am here. I like not getting into trouble, and the program teaches you how to solve the
problem and have fun doing what is right". P6 is a 16-year-old male juvenile who
provided a similar thought as P2. He stated that "I don't like coming every day, but the
program is good because it teaches us how not to give in to peer pressure and be the best
we can be."
Interview Questions 6 and 7
Describe your relationship with the church staff that provides the program
services. Are the church staff important to your success in not committing crimes?
Participants were asked to describe their relationship with the church staff and
how the church staff guides their decision-making in not committing crimes. Twenty
participants reported that the team cares a lot about them, and in return, they do not want
to disappoint the staff workers. It was also reported that they see the staff as a role model
who prays for them, love them as well as telling each participant when they are wrong.
For example, P1 is a 14-year-old who stated, "The staff is very helpful and very caring
about the people that are here." He further noted that "if there were not a program, I
would still come to this church because the staff cares about saving my life spiritually as
well as keeping me out of jail."
P17 is a 15-year-old male juvenile that stated, "I really like coming to the church
programs for the most part. Sometimes I do not want to come because I want to hang out
with my friends but other than that, I spend hours with the staff here and they treat me
like they really care, so I love coming because I want to be somebody in the future. I was
not use to all the attention from adults". All participants reported that staff is very
important to their success in not committing crimes. P15 and P18, for example, described
their success as having a go-to place instead of hanging outside doing bad things. Overall,
the staff is very important to the success of the juveniles.
Interview Question 8
Describe how the church program allowed you to overcome challenges and
problems that may have played a role in your decision making?
Nineteen participants reported that the programs and the staff help them overcome
challenges. P11, a 16-year-old male juvenile, stated that “the church staff explains each
program each day, which allows me to understand what is needed to be successful. I’ve
had programs like this before but not explained like this. I think it is because they really
like what they are doing”. P6 is a 16-year-old male juvenile who has attended the
program for nine months. He reported, “I like coming to this program because there is a
lot of things to do that in some ways have made me think better. To be honest, I think
before I act, I could not say that before I started. I like that the staff incorporates a day of
fun; it gives us something to work for”. Overall, the participants believe that both
programs and the staff play an essential role in decision-making.
Interview Question 9
Based on your knowledge, is there anything else that would be useful to this
current research?
Twenty-one participants were asked to add more information that they think
would be useful. 13 participants added more information, and eight participants did not
have anything else to add. P21 said that “I enjoy programs such as technology, and I
really believe that the staff is important to all of our success. I believe they love what they
are doing”. P14, a 13-year-old male juvenile, stated, “I now believe I can make a
difference, and it’s what the staff tells me every day. I come to the programs, and I do
learn how to control my anger”. The participants reported that the programs are effective
in teaching them how to deal with problems and how to overcome those problems in
order to have a better life.
Data Analysis
In this research, I used the process of inductive coding based on patterns identified
during the interview process. The data collected were used to identify themes. I examined
the information by listening to each interview numerous times while transcribing the data.
To protect the identity of each participant, this researcher assigned a code that identifies
each participant. The codes I used are P1-P21. I transcribed the audiotaped interview
using HyperTRANSCIBE, which allows the researcher to listen to the audio during
transcription and type notes while the sound is playing (Hesse-Biber, 2010).
The coding process resulted in 12 themes in which this researcher combined some
of the themes which resulted in nine sub-themes. Creswell (2009) provided for the coding
process (a) organize and prepare. (b) read through all data and (c) a detailed analysis
using the coding process. Each theme summarized the meaningful statements identified
by each participant. The juveniles in this study provided their views based on their
experiences attending church programs and their relationship with the staff members. The
themes were centered around the participant’s relationship with the staff members, and
the effectiveness of the church programs have on their decision to commit delinquent
acts. The research questions aligned with the themes.
I asked the participants a total of nine questions about their perception of the
effectiveness of church programs, their relationship with the staff, and how the staff help
contribute to their success of not committing delinquent acts. In this study, a revelation
was added not only what the participants’ opinion of the church program but how their
perception was established. There were themes, patterns, and connections that
materialize. The main theme is listed first with the sub theme to follow. It is important to
note that the juveniles used similar words to describe the sub-themes in which I used to
develop the main theme. Through this process, I group the short phases into categories.
Three main themes emerged from the data: 1) Effective, 2) Better decisions and 3) Role
model.
Table 2
Themes
Effective RQ1: What are the perception of the
participating juveniles regarding the
effectiveness of faith-based programs?
Helpful RQ1: What are the perception of the
participating juveniles regarding the
effectiveness of faith-based programs?
Themes Research Questions
Staying out of trouble RQ1: What are the perception of the
participating juveniles regarding the
effectiveness of faith-based programs?
Peer Pressure
RQ1: What are the perception of the
participating juveniles regarding the
effectiveness of faith-based programs?
Better decision
RQ2: What outcomes do juveniles expect
when they participate in faith-based
initiatives?
To be help
RQ2: What outcomes do juveniles expect
when they participate in faith-based
initiatives?
To overcome
RQ2: What outcomes do juveniles expect
when they participate in faith-based
initiatives?
Successful
RQ2: What outcomes do juveniles expect
when they participate in faith-based
initiatives?
Role Model RQ3: How does social bond theory (bonds
formed with the staff) add to the success
of the program as perceived by juveniles?
Not a disappointment to the staff RQ3: How does social bond theory (bonds
formed with the staff) add to the success
of the program as perceived by juveniles?
Life Saver
RQ3: How does social bond theory (bonds
formed with the staff) add to the success
of the program as perceived by juveniles?
Encouragement RQ3: How does social bond theory (bonds
formed with the staff) add to the success of
the program as perceived by juveniles?
Discrepant Cases
A discrepant case aims to offer a deviation or revision of what is being studied
(LeCompte & Preissle, 1993). In this case, the phenomenon studied were the live
perspectives of juveniles on the effectiveness of church programs. There was no
discrepant evidence during the interview process, or inconsistent findings were found in
the data. This researcher viewed each statement from the participants as having equal
value.
All repetitive statements for each interview were only considered if it brought
meaning to the question otherwise were remove. There were 210 comments that was
made which resulted in three main themes and nine sub-themes. Sub-themes are
secondary to the main theme. In this current study, this researcher aimed to use the
subthemes to provide a much meaningful statement that describes the main theme. I
targeted the participants’ experiences to ensure phrases and similar themes consisted of
each participant interview.
Evidence of Trustworthiness
Credibility
I used all procedures portrayed in Chapter 3 to maintain the integrity of the
research during the data collection and analysis stage. Triangulation was used in this
research to corroborate information from different participants' perspectives. I
accomplished credibility through member checking. During the initial interview, this
researcher asked for clarification to safeguard that all information reflected, was done so
correctly. After the interviews were finalized, I reviewed the audio recordings, read each
transcript carefully for precision, and sent each transcript to the participants for member
checking. None of the participants provided any corrections.
Transferability
In Chapter 3, I explained the procedure for transferability that included a thick and
rich detailed description of the research finding. Lincoln &Guba (1985) discussed the
responsibility of the researcher to provide a rich, thick description for the reader to apply
the conclusions of a study to a specific setting.
Dependability
To establish dependability, this researcher reviewed the documentation to ensure
accuracy. I recorded interviews by audiotape and then transcribed them. This researcher
adhered to Walden University's standards and guidelines. I reported details on all levels
during the data collection process as well as the findings of this study. In addition,
participants reviewed the transcript to check their statements.
Confirmability
Polit and Beck (2014) stated that confirmability is established when the data
accurately reflects the information provided by the participants. I develop confirmability
by reflecting on the perceptions and thoughts offered by each participant as they
described their experiences during the interview process. Confirmability was addressed in
this study to ensure the accuracy of the participants' responses.
Results
This phenomenological qualitative study was conducted to examine the lived
experiences of twenty-one African-American males regarding their perception of church
programs. A flyer was displayed at the church with the brochure showing who qualifies
to participate in this study. The interested parents and their child contacted this researcher
through email first. After the initial contact through email, and I did a brief interview to
see if the juvenile qualified. The short interview consisted of questions from the flyer. 24
youths responded to the invitational flyer, and only twenty-one qualified to participate in
this current study. The participants that qualified, a date, and a time for the interview was
set up. Before the interview process, this researcher obtained consent from the parents
first, then the youth. Both parents and their child was very cooperative during the
collection stage. This researcher provided all the information to the parents and their child
about the purpose and nature of this study.
The interview room where the interviews took place was a private setting at the
church center. The only two people that were included were the researcher and the
juvenile. The parents and church staff were not involved because this researcher did not
believe that the youths would provide truthful answers. Parents' presents may have
affected the way the participants answered, and the juveniles may not have elaborated on
follow-up questions. A church official was present at the facility during the interview
process for all participants.
Presently, an understanding was gain on how juveniles view the effectiveness of
church programs. There were themes, patterns, and relationships that emerge from this
study. More importantly, trends arose that capture the essential factors that make this
program effective.
I examined three working themes as a result of the nine interviews question that
was asked of each participant. The emerging themes supported the three research
questions that guided this assignment. The three working themes are in categories one
thru-three and sub-categories (a-i) to support the main theme. For example: (1) effective;
(a) helpful; (b) staying out of trouble; (c) peer pressure; (2) better decision; (d) to be help;
(e) to overcome; (f) successful; (3) role model (g) not a disappointment to the staff; (h)
lifesaver; (i) encouragement.
Emergent Theme 1: Effective
The theme effective emerged throughout the first research question. The terms
staying out of trouble, helpful, and peer pressure was deemed to be effective, and these
concepts aligned with the first research question; what are the perceptions of the
participating juveniles regarding the effectiveness of faith-based programs? The concept
of effective means that each juvenile desired an intended result from the program. The
church program's specific purpose was to help youths with the desired outcome. The
participants believed that the program is effective by stating the program allows them to
stay out of trouble.
The first term used was staying out of trouble. This term was used by six
participants. The juvenile described the term "staying out of trouble" as not doing
anything wrong. These participants stated that the programs' message teaches them a lists
of courses that provide them with problem-solving skills. The participant also stated that
being in the program is a time taker, nonetheless, they do not have time to hang with
friends. Moreover, the program's message allows the juvenile to use tools to stay out of
trouble. Thus, this term was used to mean the program is effective.
An example of effective within this program is that the program's objective is a
way to convince the juveniles an appropriate, more efficient way of doing things. P20
suggested that the program keeps him out of trouble. He said that his friends hang out at
the park, and at the park, drug deals, fights, and shooting goes on. Some of his friends are
drug dealers. Nevertheless, this program has provided a substitute for his routine. P1 also
provided similar thoughts by saying he would rather be at the program instead of home.
His home life is not very positive. P1 stated, "I live in the hood, and in the hood, anything
goes. My friend drops out of school to sell drugs, and now he is in the juvenile
corrections center". However, the definition of effectiveness can be articulated using
many words. Therefore, the use of this term was deemed appropriate for the foundational
question that guided this concept. The overall perception from the viewpoint of the
juveniles is that the effectiveness of the program is effective in providing what the
juveniles need to not commit delinquent acts.
The second concept that emerged out of the theme effective is helpful. This term
was used by seven participants. The participants suggested that the program provides
them hope. P2, P6, and P12 all provided similar thoughts such as the program "makes me
a believer," "I do the right thing now," "It gives me hope," and I'm happier." More
thoughts on helpfulness suggested that juveniles are shown a better way through the
teachings of the program. The reporting juveniles described helpful in various ways. The
participants used this term to mean that the program is helping them in multiple ways.
The seven participants found that the program is helpful, which means they were
reporting that their perception of the programs' effectiveness was partly due to the staff's
eagerness to help. This allowed the participant to benefit from the services and allowed
them to be more opened to receive what the program was offering. More importantly, it
was reported by the participants that when they are able to learn information, they are
also able to find the information useful, thus, making the program effective.
The third concept that emerged out of the theme effective was peer pressure. This
term was used by eight participants. Regarding the first research question, the participant
perception was that the program allowed them not to be swayed by peer pressure. The
reporting juveniles described peer pressure as a reason as to why they make bad
decisions. The minors feel that the faith-based program is teaching them how to make
better decisions. Meldeum, Miller, and Flexon (2013) reported that juveniles who
perceive a favorable response from peers are more likely to engage in that behavior. P6
stated that one of the focus of the program is "being in control and the best you."
The eight participants also reported that their connection to the program and the
staff is the reason they keep coming back to seek help. Furthermore, this peer pressure
concept was group with effectiveness due to the support of the program in keeping each
participant form making a wrong decision. The program was effective because it
produced a desired result for the participants. Participants continuously praise the idea of
the program teachings that involved peer pressure. The programs' effectiveness allows the
participants not to give in to peer pressure. Overall the program helps with staying out of
trouble, being in control, and assisting the juveniles with hope and excitement.
Emerging Theme 2: Better Decisions
The theme better-decisions emerged throughout the second research question. The
terms to overcome, to be help, and successful were used with the theme, better-decisions.
The research question; what outcomes do juveniles expect when participating in
faithbased initiatives? The participants believe that the program allows them to be help.
P6 suggested that "I think before I act, I couldn't say that before I started the program."
More importantly, P6 expects the program to continue to stress the thinking before acting
concept in order for him to make better decisions. P12, when asked the same question,
suggested that "I hope the program helps me make better choices so that I won't end up
dead or in jail." The other participants use terms like they hope the program outcome for
them to "overcoming difficult situations" such as delinquent acts when they are not
attending the program, and "not being afraid to do what is right" when not attending the
program. Overall, the participants want to be successful not just with the program's
outcome but in life as well. P11 stated that "I hope the church program can teach me how
to be successful, make better choices and not get mad every time something doesn't go
my way.
The term that was used by ten participants was "to overcome." The juveniles
believed that the program allows them to succeed in dealing with difficulty situations.
They also believed that the staff teaching them techniques, contribute to their success.
According to Merriam-Webster (n.d.), overcome means to get the better of or to gain the
superiority of a situation that may be difficult. One of Hirschi's (1969) component of the
social bond theory relates to an individual's level of belief in shared social morals and
rules. If the juvenile shared this component, then they are also less likely to engage in bad
behavior. The teaching of the program allows the juveniles to believe as if they are able
to overcome any difficulty circumstance. The program teaches the moral compass in
various ways. One way that the program engages the youth is by allowing them to write
short paragraphs about their feelings. These writings include the overall day, and if
something upset them today, they also write about that. The writings also suggest how
they handle any problematic situations. Another way that they are able to overcome is
through responsibility. The staff as reported by the participant, always preach taking
responsibility for your action. The participants also reported that part of responsibility is
always being honest. Overall, the term to overcome was used to describe making better
decisions, and through the program's teaching, they believe that they can overcome.
The second term that was used by seven participants was, "To be help." According to
Merriam-Webster (n.d.), the term help means to do something by offering one's services
or resources. The participants that used this term seek to be help in many ways. One
outcome of this program that the participant expect is through support. The participants
believe that through support, they will be able to make the correct decisions. These seven
participants reported that the teachings of the program make it easier for them to make
better decisions. Another element of Hirschi's (1969) theory is that when large amounts of
time are spent in a socially approved activity such as the church programs, it reduces the
time available for deviance. Overall, the term to be help was themed into the category of
making better decisions.
The third and final term that was used by four participants to describe better
decisions was "successful." The participants believe that being successful in the program
will allow them the capability to make better decisions. Although successful, according to
the research question for this current research, is desirable, the juveniles noted that they
first must be successful with the learning, and by learning, they would be able to make a
better decision thus, the outcome would be successful in their everyday life.
Emerging Theme 3: Role Model
The role model concept was themed from the terms that were used to describe this
concept. Words such as lifesaver, caring, encouragement, and not wanting to disappoint
the staff. The third question, which was used to guide this research study; how does
Social Bonds Theory adds to the success of the program as perceived by juveniles? A
participant describes their relationship with staff using various terms. P1, for example,
stated that the staff is "very caring about the people in that are here." This participant
describes the relationship by suggestion he would still come to the church without a
program because he believes the staff cares about his life. P17 also stated a similar
statement by saying, "I spend hours with the staff, and they treat me like they care." P15
and P18 described the staff as a lifesaver. P14 added to this research by stating that the
staff encourages him through the programs. P14 noted that "I now believe I can make a
difference, and it's what the staff tells me every day." The participants also stated that the
staff is someone they could look up to. They do not want to disappoint the staff because
they believe they care about their well-being.
Vaughan, Bouffard, and Piquero (2017) stated that strong bonds demonstrated
higher perceived salience of cost that they would consider in determining whether or not
to commit a criminal act. Gilmore, Rodriguez, and Webb (2005) used the Social Bond
Theory to understand the importance of social bonds. This study suggests that when
social bonds are present (e.g., family, peers, religion, and work), the more likely the
juvenile will not commit a delinquent act. The theoretical foundation of this current study
suggests that a youth that is attached to staff is more likely not to commit a negligent act.
The juvenile does not want to disappoint the people who show that they care as well as
work with them on a daily base.
The first term used by nine participants to describe role model was the term "life
saver." According to Merriam-Webster (n.d.), lifesaver is defined as a thing or service
that saves one from a difficult situation. These participants explained that the staff cares
about our life. The juveniles also reported that the staff wants the youth to care more
about their life. When the staff cares more, it shows in their actions as well as their
teaching. These nine participants believed that they would not be in a good place if it had
not been for the staff members teaching the programs, showing that they care, and
checking on them even when the program is not going on, thus saving them from making
a decision that could lead to juvenile corrections or adult prison. Nonetheless, the
participates believe that the staff cares by referring to the staff members as lifesaver.
The second term used by six participants to describe role models was the term
"encouragement." The juveniles reported that the staff often encourage them using many
terms, such as "being the best you," not given in to bad desire," "wanting more out of
life," and "your life has more value." The action of giving someone hope is
encouragement (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). The participants reported that they look forward
to the staff teaching of the programs. The juveniles explained that within the learning,
there is always a message that has meaning to their life. Some youths are reporting that
they find themselves, at home, on the phone, or at school, doing the same thing to their
friends that the staff does, encouraging others. Additionally, the staff provides
encouragement that allows the juvenile to imitate that behavior. This term is aligned with
the definition of a role model.
The third and final term used by six participants to describe role models was the
term not "wanting to be a disappointment." This phrase describes a role model as not
wanting to disappoint because of the staff/youth connection. The participating youth
explained that they do find themselves thinking about staff when they are faced with
decisions that may cause them to commit delinquent acts. They also reported that they
usually would not think before making a wrong choice, but because the juveniles have
been spending more time with the staff, they feel obligated to at least give some thought
to their decision making. Whether or not the juvenile makes a bad decision, the juvenile
at least is thinking about their decision.
Summary
In this study, I examined the programs from the viewpoint of juveniles. The
population included twenty-one male youths that gave their perception of the
effectiveness of church programs. This researcher conducted an in-depth, face to face,
nine open-ended interviews to acquire information on the lived experiences of juveniles.
The research questions that guided this research were (a) what are the perceptions of the
participating minors regarding the effectiveness of faith-based programs? What outcomes
do youths expect when they participate in faith-based initiatives? and (b) how does Social
Bond Theory (i.e., bonds formed with the staff and resulting from the programs offered)
add to the success of the program as perceived by juveniles? To analyzed the data, this
researcher used an audio recording, and this researcher transcribes all information by
using a qualitative software called HyperTranscibe. There were three significant themes
that arose from the interviews. There were nine sub-themes that this researcher also used
to describe the main themes in detail. This researcher discussed the results of the
research, which were based on the responses from the participants during the interviews.
In this chapter, I provided an explanation of the setting, demographics, data
collection, data analysis, and the results of this study. I also provided evidence of
trustworthiness, credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. In Chapter
5, the purpose and nature of the study are reiterated. Chapter 5 also includes the
interpretation of the study's results, limitations, recommendations, and implications for
social change.
Chapter 5: Discussion, Recommendation, and Conclusions
Introduction
In this chapter, I discuss the findings, the recommendation, and the conclusions.
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the effectiveness
of faith-based delinquency programs have on a juvenile decision whether to commit
delinquent acts or not. More importantly, the goal was to gain an in-depth understanding
of the extent to which the effectiveness of church programs which included the juvenile
perception of the staff. I also sought to understand how effective the church program has
on the youth.
The research question that guided this research were (a) “What are the perceptions
of the participating juveniles regarding the effectiveness of faith-based programs?; “What
outcomes do juveniles expect when they participate in faith-based initiatives?; and (b)
“How does SBT (i.e., bonds formed with the staff and resulting from the programs
offered) add to the success of the program as perceived by juveniles?”
There are many programs within the juvenile justice system that focuses on
rehabilitation that includes mental health and sex offenders' programs (Florida
Department of Juvenile Justice, 2012). Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (2012)
reported that their programs are contracted out. These programs include prevention and
victim services, probation, and residential programs (Florida Department of Juvenile
Justice, 2012). These programs services are provided by a multi-disciplinary team that
includes a probation officer, social worker, mental health, and educators that offers a plan
for the youth (Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, 2012). The church is a key factor
within the African-American community. Venable (2015) reported that African American
juveniles' families rely heavily on the church to address the many issues that arise.
Findings
The study's findings are in alignment with the literature review in Chapter 2,
research questions, and the theoretical foundation, SBT. The studies related to the SBT
are consistent with this current study. When the four restraints (attachment, commitment,
involvement, and belief) are intact, the juvenile is less likely to engage in delinquency
activities. The church programs posit the primary inhibitors that decrease the opportunity
for delinquency acts. In principle, Hirschi (1969) stated that the existence of bonds to a
conventional institution reduces the likelihood of delinquent acts.
The participants in this study expressed that the church program and the
relationship with the staff, play an essential role in their decision not to commit
delinquent acts. The findings also support prior results by Spruit et al. (2016) that applied
the SBT to sports. These authors suggested that youth attachment to sports are less likely
to get involved in delinquent behavior. The results of Yang and Yang’s (2017) study also
confirmed this current study’s finding by suggesting that youth that forms bonds with a
conventional institution such as the church reduces the risk of delinquent behavior such
as substance use.
Like previous studies, this research identified restraints that support the
relationship between the staff and the juveniles that provided a positive outcome.
However, the study also found that successfulness has more to do with the staff more so
than the program alone. Moreover, the learning process, along with the shared bonds with
the staff does impacts decision-making. This study also extends on the knowledge within
the discipline by identifying key contributors associated with the program, such as not
wanting to let the staff down by committing delinquent acts. Furthermore, the findings
add to the knowledge of the discipline by identifying the themes that are connected with
the social bond theory.
This study contributed to filling the gap within the literature by exploring the
juveniles’ live experience and perception of programs within the church. This study also
strengthens the understanding of how effective the church programs are at reducing the
negative decision-making among juveniles. In this approach, this study expands on the
knowledge of conventional institutions that is suggested in previous studies. Based on the
present review, I explained the participants’ perceptions and experiences of the church
program's effectiveness on whether or not the juvenile desires to commit delinquent acts.
The SBT approach provided an appropriate lens of the juveniles. The SBT
perspective was beneficial in interpreting the identified themes, such as the program
being effective, making a better decision, and seeing the staff as a role model. The SBT
also allowed me to form sub-themes that lead to primary themes. The sub-themes are
from the viewpoint of the juvenile. The concepts are that the program is helpful, staying
out of trouble, and resisting peer pressure.
Additionally, other concepts are the outcomes that are expected, such as to be
help, to overcome, and the participants want to be successful when not attending the
church initiatives. Finally, the theme role model is linked to terms that describe the
relationship with the staff. These terms include the juvenile not wanting to disappoint the
staff member, the staff member being a lifesaver, and lastly, the staff member
encouragement.
The fact that positive ties to the church and staff members are most significant in
reducing recidivism. This finding supports the theory of Travis Hirschi (1969) that the
youth's attachment to conventional institutions such as the church, deters delinquent acts.
The youth envisions their "helpers" response to their actions when enticement surfaces.
Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) published their version of self-control. They argue that
rational individuals are likely to decide to perform criminal or deviant acts when an
opportunity presents itself because they cannot foresee the long-term consequences of
their actions (Gottfredson & Hirschi,1990). In the authors’ view, individuals with low
self-control are most associated with poor parenting practices.
The data collected suggested that the most essential and practical strategies to
reduce recidivism are to provide church programs to juveniles. The participants'
responses supported the approach of the social bond theory that suggests that when bonds
are present, the less likely the youth will commit delinquent acts. A staff-child
relationship is a useful tool in preventing juvenile delinquency acts.
The concept of the theme's effectiveness, including peer pressure, helpfulness, and
staying out of trouble, provides a contextual understanding of how participants view the
success of church programs. Newstorm and Davis (2013) defined the term effective and
suggested that it is goal-attainment and how the constituencies view the program.
Several scholars have documented how social bonds lower criminal behavior. Rizzolo,
Gore, Ratsimbazafy, and Rajaonson (2017) noted that, when attachments between
individuals and groups, are weak, formal strategies such as enforcement, sanctions,
education) can consequence in unintended opposite effects.
For juveniles, Yonder and Bovard-johns (2017) noted in their study that religion
and spirituality could influence youth development by promoting morals and values that
affect delinquency. According to Baier and Wright (2001), religion has been
demonstrated to be a protective factor that combats the effects of delinquency. This
current study has demonstrated that social institutions such as the church can provide a
positive impact that halts delinquent behavior by allowing the juvenile to think about
their actions; thus, leading to better decisions.
Making better decisions for participants in this study resulted from the interview
when the juveniles use terms to describe church programs. Russell and Manske (2017)
suggested that there is a growing body of research that indicated that decision-making
could be improved with increased accuracy and fewer errors. This research supports the
idea of juveniles making a better decision by allowing the agenda of the program to serve
a positive influencer that opposes terrible behavior. Hirschi (1969) noted that the more
conventional institution invests in the individual, the less likely that individual break the
bond. Yonder and Bovard-johns (2017) revealed that religiosity before and after the arrest
was associated with less sexual criminality among youth.
The concept role model arose during the interview when the participants use terms
to describe this concept. According to Merriam-Webster (n.d.), a role model is a person
looked to by others as an example. Research has suggested that religion and spirituality
are the fundamental aspects of human experience (King & Furrow, 2008). The role model
term is in alignment with the social bond theory because it represents all the elements of
attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief. This current research found that the
juvenile look to the staff for guidance. That guidance goes beyond programming. The
findings by Cheney et al. (2014) found that African Americans in the south region have a
higher rate of participation in religious activities. Moore et al. (2015) suggested that
sustaining relationships is essential to reducing the rate of incarcerated black youth.
The concept of the themes, effective, better-decision, and role model all describes
the experiences of the participating juveniles in church programs. I concluded that church
programs are a significant part of the growth of the juveniles. All participants described
their perception of how effective the programs. I allowed all participants to express their
views freely.
Limitations of the Study
The goal of this study was to obtain an in-depth understanding of the perception
of the juveniles about the effectiveness of church initiatives have on delinquency. There
were various limitations heading into this study. The lack of experience conducting a
phenomenological study, the sample size and the restriction to the Southeast United
States made this study challenging. This study did not take into account peer to peer
interaction while attending the church program. While this researcher believes that having
the youth who have similar issues that they are faced with daily may have had an impact,
this researcher chose not to consider peer interaction as a possibility because this study
focus was on church programs and the relationships with the staff that is formed during
the teaching of programs. Wooditch, Tang, and Taxman (2014) stated that having a close
relationship with deviant peers affects criminal involvement. Meldeum et al. (2013)
reported that juveniles who perceive a favorable response from peers are more likely to
engage in that behavior. Furthermore, a juvenile who engage in good behavior is more
likely to engage in that behavior.
Recommendation for Future Study
Based on the results of this qualitative phenomenological study, I recommend
future research on other ethnicities as the results may differ in different church and
location settings. Another recommendation for future research is to examine the
perception of young youth girls who need church programs, especially those who have
experienced the juvenile justice system programs. Finally, another area for future
examination is to look at church programs for juveniles from the viewpoint of the church
staff. This viewpoint can look at their bond with the juveniles and how the staff sees
growth with the youth. The study can also look at how the different stories from the
juvenile effects the way they provide services.
Implications for Social Change
The findings of this study may affect positive social change by providing the key
factors that help juveniles succeed. The recommendations from this current study may
provide different aspects of how to deal with the problem of juveniles' decision to commit
a delinquent act or not. The findings of this study emphasized how effective the church
programs are through the experiences of the juvenile. Various empirical research has
examined rehabilitation programs that are associated with the juvenile justice program.
However, juvenile programs in an African American church setting has not been explored
in terms of how they relate to the decisions to commit delinquent acts.
To effect positive social change, it starts with the policymakers allocating
resources to churches that lack funding. The social change should start with this region,
making an effort to reduce inequalities in low-income areas. Changing the separation of
church and state could put the focus back on the juvenile justice system to avoid the high
arrest rates among African Americans. One key finding in this current research is that a
juvenile respond positively to the staff, which makes an effort to spend time, care for
them, and pick them up when they have failed.
Individual Level
Recidivism has become a serious problem, and these rates differ between states.
According to Juvenile arrest rates (2017), juveniles that are arrested, 50% are African
Americans, and 66% are transferred to the criminal justice system. Williams et al. (2014)
examined factors that contribute to juveniles engaging in illegal activity. These authors
noted that youth living in poor neighborhoods increased when a stressor is present.
According to Safiedine and Chung (2018), African Americans have the most significant
percentage of the population living in poverty. The U.S. Census (2017) noted that African
Americans make up about 12.7% of the population. Furthermore, African Americans in
low-income areas are among those that are represented in the criminal justice system
(Feist-Price et al., 2014).
According to this current research, black juveniles can benefit from attending
church programs. This particular group, according to Venable (2015), relies heavily on
the church, and the role of religion can provide an attachment that does decrease
delinquency rates. The impact of reducing African American delinquency rates goes far
beyond the individual level. It can provide a blueprint for other ethnicities across the
globe that struggle with juvenile behavior.
Family Level
Research has noted that there has been discrimination and injustice rooted in
African American culture that has led to increased incarceration rates (Coats, 2015).
However, family factors have been identified as a risk factor for juvenile delinquency as
well (Tolan, Gorman-Smith, & Henry, 2003). Hirschi's (1969) theory suggests that
conventional institutions play a role in reducing delinquent acts. If the family lacks family
bonds, the church can be relied upon to provide the structure that Hirschi describes in his
SBT. The family structure in a black household is not always the best. If there were other
options such as a conventional institution (Church programs), the church can be proactive
in its' approach and save the juvenile male from entering into the juvenile justice system
or possibly the adult system. This suggestion could lead to families staying together and
building a better future family structure for many years.
Organizational Level
The juvenile justice system has experienced growth despite numbers saying
otherwise (Lipcomb, 2013). The increase could be due to incapacitation that allows for
longer sentencing. Lipscomb (2013) suggested that the juvenile justice system has
programs in place that are aimed at rehabilitation for juveniles. However, faith-based
programs could alleviate the juvenile justice system by allocating funds to the church.
Based on this current research, the long-term goal should be to provide preventative
programs that affect the rates of juvenile delinquency, in particular, African Americans.
A common strategy to reduce the severity of arrest in the black community without
compromising the safety of the public may be achieved through the means of the church
programs. Saving a generation of black juveniles from prison by implementing a
preventative program like the church could remove the risk factors that they face.
Societal Level
In recent years, there has been an increased number of incarceration rates that
have led to the construction of more prisons that have increased the amount of money
spent (Orrick & Vieraitis, 2015). According to Orrick and Vieraitis (2015), a surge in
"tough-on-crime" policies shifts the focus of the criminal system has increased violent
crime rates. There have been consequences associated with the increase in incarceration
rates, such as a rise in the cost of crime as well as the cost of prison. Austin and
colleagues (2007) summarized three core recommendations that they conceived will
reduce the prison population without having a significant effect on crime rates: (a)
reducing time served, (b) eliminating parole or technical probation violators, and (c)
decriminalizing victimless crimes.
When these concepts are reduced, it reduces the cost of money being spent thus,
reducing taxes from the citizens. Orrick and Vieraitis (2015) suggest that more states are
redirecting cost to preventative programs. Redirecting cost to the church could provide a
shift in the right direction, such as policy changes and reducing the rates of African
Americans incarcerated. Such a policy shift is limited unless the lawmakers or
policymakers support the church programs.
Methodological Implications
In Chapter one, I stated that this current research is limited to the lived
experiences of African American male juveniles. This research allowed the juvenile
participants to provide information on the effectiveness that church programs have on
delinquency rates. The data collected and analysis process used provided a more in-depth
description from the perspective of black juveniles. Miner-Romanoff (2012) suggested
that qualitative phenomenological data yields an in-depth understanding of participants'
experiences that involves a repeated analysis. According to Groenewald (2004), the
phenomenological method provides detailed information that concentrates on the lived
experiences of individuals and can help generate new ideas that will help show different
aspects of a person's knowledge.
Theoretical Implications
A significant framework of this study was the SBT, which can be employed to
enhance the theoretical understanding of how African-American juvenile males, bond
with those who care and how they relate their lived experiences when accessing
important components of the church programs. The data used in this study on the lived
experiences of African-American juvenile male united with the theoretical framework can
develop an alternative to the juvenile justice system and policies. This framework can
help combat racial injustices and black juvenile arrest rates that effects incarceration rates
of African-American males. Implications from this research are likely to contribute to the
field of academia and possibly serve as a blueprint to understanding how the church
programs play a key role in an African-American juvenile male's decision to commit a
delinquent act.
Recommendations for Practice
The juveniles in this study provided valuable information on how church
programs have affected their decision-making. The data from this current research can
provide policymakers and the justice system with knowledge as to how effective church
programs are at effecting change in our youth. The purpose of this research was to bring
attention to other alternatives other than the juvenile justice system programs. The
lawmakers of this region must acknowledge that African Americans rely heavily on the
church. The church could provide a safe haven for our black youth. Preventative
strategies that can save citizens money must be looked at for a better quality of life for
African American juvenile males. The justice system, as well as the policymakers, owe it
to the black community to help out any way they can by making the system more correct.
Treatment rather than incarceration and policymakers reforming the justice system to
allow black churches the opportunity to provide services for our black youth can reduce
delinquency rates.
Conclusion
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the
effectiveness of faith-based initiatives have on African Americans' juvenile male
decisions to commit delinquency acts. This research gave 21 individuals a voice to
contribute to the growing problem that suggested that 50% of juveniles who are arrested
are black youth. This problem then contributes to two-thirds of black juveniles being
transferred to the adult system. Furthermore, this issue has impacted the African
American community by separating young black men from their families, which impacts
the community.
The findings from this study are consistent with the theoretical framework based
on Travis Hirschi's (1969) (SBT). Social bonds theory examines the strong relationships
to conventional society or institutions. Furthermore, this theory relies on the 4 restraints
that link the individual to society. Hirschi (1969) suggested that when social bonds are
weakened, the more likely the degree of deviant behavior goes up. SBT is important to
youth that formed a relationship with a convention institution.
The participants in this current research detailed description are supported by
Yang & Yang (2017), Ford and Rigg (2015), and Spruit at el.’s (2013) examination of the
bond theory. Those individuals that do not have the parental bonds have the church as a
source. The church staff understanding how and why the participants commit delinquent
acts are an essential part of the relationship with the black juvenile. This research shows
that there may be differences in the church programs and the juvenile justice system.
African Americans indicated greater importance on relationships with the staff members
regarding whether or not they choose to engage in delinquent behavior.
This study adds to the existing literature that suggests that attachments with
conventional institutions affect delinquency rates. In this research study, I used the lived
experiences of African American juvenile males to determine whether or not the church
programs are effective in reducing delinquent acts. Arresting and locking up juveniles
places an economic and social tension on the rest of the family. If the trend continues, it
weakens the community, strains the family and friend's dynamic and, it will place a strain
on future black youth. The current structure of juvenile programs within the juvenile
justice system has not worked despite the efforts. However, if the policymakers begin to
acknowledge the church as a preventative program institution, then the African American
community, as well as the juvenile, can benefit most.
