FAMILY-BASED PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR THE PREVENTION OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

Stories4Wings is based on the transformative power of storytelling as a pedagogical tool. Narratives allow individuals to reflect on their own experiences, fostering empathy, critical thinking and behavioural change. This approach is especially valuable in contexts of social exclusion, where traditional educational methods may not be sufficient .

        Criminological research has consistently demonstrated that delinquency is the result of the interaction between multiple risk and protective factors. Andrews and Bonta (2006, cited in Fernández Monteiro, 2018) identified key risk factors such as antisocial peers, substance abuse and family circumstances .

However, beyond risk, protective factors play a crucial role. Farrington (2019) found that positive parenting, low levels of family conflict and parental involvement in education significantly reduce the likelihood of persistent offending.

In the Spanish context, Redondo Illescas (2008) highlights the importance of social and relational environments in shaping behaviour, while Serrano Tárraga (2009) underlines the dual role of the family as both a risk and a protective factor. Similarly, Medina Ariza (2011) stresses that effective prevention strategies must focus on strengthening family and community contexts, particularly during early developmental stages.

        Following the Stories4Wings approach, which focuses on the development of values, skills and competences as drivers of behavioural change, the following family-based protective factors are proposed:

1. EMOTIONAL BOND AND ATTACHMENT

Secure attachment between parents and children is one of the most important protective factors against delinquency. Emotional bonding promotes empathy, emotional regulation and prosocial behaviour.

From a developmental criminology perspective, Vázquez González (2003) notes that weak emotional bonds in childhood are associated with a higher likelihood of deviant behaviour. Likewise, Serrano Tárraga (2009) argues that secure attachment facilitates the internalisation of social norms.

2. POSITIVE PARENTING AND SUPERVISION

Parental supervision plays a fundamental role in preventing delinquency. Monitoring children’s activities, peer groups and routines reduces exposure to criminogenic environments.

Farrington (2019) identifies parental involvement as one of the most relevant protective factors. In addition, Redondo Illescas (2008) highlights that parental supervision acts as an effective form of informal social control.

Positive parenting, based on communication, consistency and reinforcement, contributes to the development of self-control, which is considered a key factor in preventing criminal behaviour.

3. COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Effective communication within the family fosters trust and emotional expression. It also equips young people with the skills needed to resolve conflicts constructively.

Cueto (2022) emphasises that positive educational relationships, including those within the family, promote responsible behaviour and realistic expectations. Similarly, Medina Ariza (2011) highlights that conflict resolution skills reduce the likelihood of resorting to violence.

In line with the Stories4Wings methodology, storytelling can facilitate reflection on conflict situations and promote alternative, prosocial responses.

4. TRANSMISSION OF PROSOCIAL VALUES

Families play a key role in transmitting values such as respect, responsibility and empathy.

According to the Stories4Wings framework, values act as guiding principles that shape behaviour and decision-making . From a criminological perspective, Redondo and Garrido (2013) argue that the internalisation of social norms is essential for preventing delinquency.

Serrano Tárraga (2009) also notes that the absence of clear normative references within the family may contribute to the development of antisocial behaviour.

5. PROMOTION OF RESILIENCE

Resilience refers to the ability to adapt to adversity and overcome challenges. It is strongly influenced by family support.

As highlighted in Stories4Wings, resilience enables individuals to cope with difficulties and maintain motivation . Redondo Illescas (2008) considers resilience a key protective factor, particularly in vulnerable contexts.

In the family setting, fostering resilience involves teaching children how to manage emotions, tolerate frustration and develop adaptive coping strategies.

6. STRUCTURED LEISURE AND POSITIVE PEER INFLUENCE

Leisure time is a key factor in juvenile behaviour. Andrews and Bonta (2006) link unstructured leisure with higher levels of delinquency .

Garrido Genovés (2010) highlights the importance of promoting prosocial leisure activities. Likewise, Medina Ariza (2011) stresses that family involvement in leisure reduces the influence of antisocial peer groups.

        The application of these family-based values, skills and competences has a significant impact on the prevention of juvenile delinquency. When families provide a stable emotional environment, characterised by secure attachment, effective communication and positive supervision, young people are more likely to develop adequate emotional regulation and prosocial behaviours. This translates into a lower probability of engaging in antisocial conduct, as well as a greater capacity to cope with social pressures, particularly those related to peer influence.

Furthermore, the transmission of prosocial values within the family contributes to the internalisation of social norms and the development of a sense of responsibility. As Redondo Illescas (2008) suggests, these informal mechanisms of social control are highly effective in preventing deviant behaviour. In addition, the promotion of resilience allows young individuals to face adverse situations without resorting to maladaptive or criminal responses, reinforcing their ability to construct positive life trajectories.

On the contrary, the absence of these protective factors can significantly increase the risk of delinquency. Family environments characterised by conflict, lack of supervision or weak emotional bonds may hinder the development of self-control and social skills. In such contexts, young people are more vulnerable to the influence of antisocial peer groups, which, as highlighted by Andrews and Bonta (2006), constitutes one of the main risk factors associated with criminal behaviour .

Moreover, a lack of parental involvement in education and daily activities can lead to school disengagement, social exclusion and limited future expectations. These elements, as noted by Farrington (2019), are closely related to the development of persistent offending trajectories. Therefore, the absence of family-based protective competences not only increases the likelihood of initial offending, but also contributes to the consolidation of long-term criminal behaviour.

These findings are consistent with the preventive approaches proposed by Garrido Genovés (2010) and Redondo Illescas (2008), who emphasise early intervention and the strengthening of protective factors.

        In conclusion, preventing juvenile delinquency requires a shift from punitive approaches to preventive strategies focused on early intervention. Families play a central role as primary agents of socialisation.

In line with the philosophy of Stories4Wings, the development of values, skills and competences through storytelling methodologies contributes not only to crime prevention but also to social inclusion and personal development.

As Redondo Illescas and Garrido (2013) point out, the most effective prevention strategies are those that act on the everyday environments of individuals, particularly the family.

Bibliography

-          Andrews, D. A., & Bonta, J. (2006). The psychology of criminal conduct.

-          Cueto, E. (2022). La educación como mecanismo de contención y prevención de la delincuencia juvenil. Educació Social, 81, 41–58.

-          Farrington, D. (2019). Factores de riesgo y de protección en la infancia. Revista Española de Investigación Criminológica, 17, 1–33.

-          Fernández Monteiro, M. (2018). Capacidad predictiva de los factores de riesgo en la reincidencia.

-          Garrido Genovés, V. (2010). La prevención de la delincuencia en Europa y en España. Revista de Derecho Penal y Criminología, 3, 377–408.

-          Hein, A. (2004). Factores de riesgo y delincuencia juvenil.

-          Medina Ariza, J. (2011). Políticas de seguridad ciudadana.

-          Redondo Illescas, S. (2008). In-tolerancia cero: La violencia en la sociedad actual.

-          Redondo Illescas, S., & Garrido Genovés, V. (2013). Principios de criminología.

-          Serrano Tárraga, M. D. (2009). Criminología.

-          Vázquez González, C. (2003). Delincuencia juvenil y factores de riesgo.