Juvenile Offenders as Fathers: Perceptions of Fatherhood, Crime and Becoming an Adult

The confluence of high teen parenthood and incarceration rates for ethnic minority youth warrant investigations into the relationship between parental bonds and desistence from crime. Empirical studies present conflicting findings regarding how, or if, fatherhood correlates with youth offenders' decreased criminal activity. Through in-depth interviews with seven incarcerated teen fathers, this study provides insight into their views of their responsibilities toward their children, relationships with their children's mothers, and prospects for future criminal activity. Results show that incarcerated young fathers take parental roles seriously and identify their children as a principal motivator for desistence from crime. However, these fathers also articulate substantial obstacles to connecting with their children, including pressure to provide financially. Implications for social work practice are discussed.