Stronger Together Program: Justice for Latino Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: 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.
Authors: Leyla Feize, Marisa Ugalde, John Gonzalez, Tamer Oraby
Institution: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,650
OpenAlex ID: W7162189679