Social bonds and male juvenile delinquency while on probation: An exploratory test in Hong Kong

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.

► We tested social bond effects on theft and violent crime of juvenile probationers. ► Poor parental bonding will increase propensity to commit theft and violent crime. ► Negative legal system belief will increase odds to commit theft and violent crime. ► Higher social activities involvement will enhance tendency to commit violent crime. ► Good parent–child bonding and clear understanding of CJ system as crime prevention.