Analysis of Familial Factors behind Children’s Involvement in Delinquent Acts in Mardan, Pakistan

The study is aimed to investigate familial factors responsible for pushing children toward delinquent acts. Data is collected through interview schedule from 150 respondents while the total population of the study is 250. Purposive sampling technique is used in this study as the researcher intended to consult an age group 12 to 18 years of delinquent children. Data is analysed through SPSS (Version 20). Chi-square test is used for the identification of hypothetical association between dependent and independent variables. Among the variables criminal behaviour/tendency influenced by family environment, offenses committed due to no check of the parents, strict and harsh disciplining method, parental criminality as a reason of juvenile delinquency, get involve in delinquent acts due to separation of parent, children living with a single parent, children of drug addicts, improper socialization, anti-social behaviour of parent and violence in the family are found to be significantly associated with juvenile delinquency. Findings show lack of a peaceful environment inside family a proper check on a child’s activities which cause the minors to develop delinquent behaviour. Strict and harsh disciplining methods used by parents should be stopped, children should be socialized in a well-organized manner, and drug addict’s parent should be rehabilitated.