SOCIAL NETWORKS AMONG INCARCERATED JUVENILE-OFFENDERS

This study examines the social networks and deviant behavior of 92 mal e and female adolescent offenders in a secure training school. Semi-st ructured interviews were conducted individually with the youth and rep eated following a four-week interval. Record data were reviewed to ass ess behavioral adjustment, The Social Cognitive Map analytic technique was utilized to identify social clusters. Findings indicate that thes e extremely delinquent youth formed reasonably stable social networks within the institution. Social clusters were distinguished most strong ly on the basis of gender, race and proximity. Individuals within clus ters had similar levels of behavioral adjustment and perceptions of in timacy with peers. The processes of peer group formation are similar t o those found among public school counterparts. Treatment implications are discussed.