Living with Nana: The Relationship Between Custodial Grandmothers and Juvenile Delinquency

by Goulette, Natalie Wynn

This study examined the relationship between custodial grandmothers and juvenile delinquency. Previous literature has examined the physical health and emotional well-being of the caregivers. Little has been examined regarding the well-being of the juveniles who are placed in the care of a grandparent, however. This study examined the effect of custodial grandmothers on juvenile delinquency by identifying several predictor variables related to the caregiver, grandchild, and household. The statistical procedures of difference of means test and the one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. The results indicated that full-time employed caregivers as well as caregivers who reported a religious affiliation cared for less delinquent juveniles. Additionally, older juveniles were found to engage in more delinquency.