Stronger Together Program: Justice for Latino Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System

Adolescents are vulnerable to delinquent behaviors during their period of cognitive and emotional development. Latino adolescents are often more vulnerable to delinquency behaviors and are over-involved in the juvenile system. Ten Latino youths and 15 parents/guardians participated in a culturally adapted Functional Family Therapy (FFT) intervention program. The behavioral change of the youths was measured using pre- and post-test scores on the Sorensen Self-Esteem test questionnaire and the Low Self-Control Measure. The parents/guardians’ behavioral change was measured using pre- and post-test scores from the Family Interpersonal Relationship Questionnaire. The results indicated that the youths’ self-esteem increased. The change in self-control was not statistically significant. However, in a follow-up interview 3 months after the intervention, parents reported that their youths could manage their anger effectively. Six out of 10 youths completed the program and 3 months after the intervention, did not return to the juvenile system; however, the other four youths who did not complete the program had delinquent behaviors and returned to the juvenile system. Parents/guardians’ behavioral change in some areas was statistically significant, including expressing feelings and family dialogue. In the follow-up interview, they mentioned that they practiced the learned parental and communication skills and that their family dynamic consequently changed.