The relationship between extracurricular activities and delinquency of adolescents in foster care

This study examined the relationships between involvement in extracurricular activities and delinquency for adolescents in foster care. Using data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, a subsample of adolescents (n = 117) in long-term foster care was the focus of this study. Contrary to the hypotheses, results indicated that greater involvement in extracurricular activities was associated with higher levels of delinquency. Further analyses revealed that the type of placement and closeness with caregiver predicted delinquency above and beyond the frequency of participation in extracurricular activities. Implications are discussed.

Research Highlights►Contrary to hypotheses, activity involvement was related to higher delinquency. ►Those with most frequent participation in activities reported the most delinquency. ►Adolescents in group homes had highest scores of delinquency by caregiver report. ►A lack of closeness with caregiver predicted delinquency.