پیوندهای اجتماعی و بزهکاری نوجوانان پسر در دوره تعلیق: آزمون اکتشافی در هنگ کنگ

Abstract The Hong Kong probation system is considered as the least researched component within the criminal justice system. Therefore, limited information is known about the Hong Kong probation system and offenders who are serving their probation order, especially in the juvenile population. This study is among the first to examine the differential effects of social bonds (Hirschi, 1969), measured during their probation period, on theft and violent delinquency in a saturated sample of 94 juvenile male probationers (aged 14 to 20 years) in Hong Kong. As expected, findings indicate that poor parental bonding and negative belief in the legal system are likely to increase the propensity to commit theft and violent delinquency, respectively, including the probation period. However, though not uncommon, the increase level of involvement in organizational activities is likely to result in the increase of propensity to commit violent crime, even during the probation period. This study further offers the implications for social services that target the juvenile offenders in terms of fostering a healthy parent–child bonding and a clear understanding of the criminal justice system via the enhancement of the police–youth relationship. Limitations and future research directions are also outlined.

Introduction The Hong Kong probation system received the least public attention compare to other primary components within the criminal justice system, such as the police, corrections, and the law. Therefore, it is not surprising that research on probation-related topics in Hong Kong has been scarce and most of the studies published are out of date (Chui, 2000). In addition, a large majority of these published studies were conducted with adult samples (e.g., Chui, 2004 and Chui, 2006). Empirical studies conducted with juveniles in a probation setting were limited. Hence, the current study was among the first to sample Hong Kong juvenile male probationers in the analysis of the relationship between social bonds and delinquency. Implications for social services, especially in the realm of social work discipline are discussed.

5. Results Ordinary least square (OLS) regression modeling approach was used to answer the key question of this study: What is the role of different social bonds of juvenile male probationers in predicting the propensity to commit theft and violent delinquency, even during their probation period? Interestingly, there was only one significant predictor of theft commission for delinquent youth in this study (Table 3). Juvenile probationers who were less bonded with their parents (B = − 0.155, p < 0.05) were significantly more likely to commit minor property crime. Unlike the predictor of theft commission for juvenile probationers, involvement in organizations and belief in the legal system were found to be significant predictors of violent act commission. Delinquent youth who have lesser belief in the legal system (B = − 0.441, p < 0.001) and were more involved in organizational activities (B = 0.240, p < 0.05) were significantly more likely to increase their propensity to commit violent crime. Peer attachment, parental dependence, and school commitment yielded no significant effects to juvenile probationers in this study. Table 3. Effects of differential social bonds on theft and violent crime commission by juvenile probationers. Predictor variable Juvenile probationers (N = 94) Theft Violent crime 1. Attachment a. Peer attachment B = − 0.072, SE = 0.098 B = − 0.112, SE = 0.101 b. Parental bonding B = − 0.155, SE = 0.073* B = 0.032, SE = 0.078 c. Parental dependence B = − 0.120, SE = 0.066 B = 0.130, SE = 0.068 2. Commitment d. School commitment B = − 0.098, SE = 0.086 B = − 0.117, SE = 0.089 3. Involvement e. Involvement in organizations B = 0.127, SE = 0.103 B = 0.240, SE = 0.105* 4. Belief f. Belief in the legal system B = − 0.100, SE = 0.122 B = − 0.441, SE = 0.119*** *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001.