WORKING WHILE IN SCHOOL AND DELINQUENT INVOLVEMENT - IMPLICATIONS FORSOCIAL-POLICY

Based on a national sample of 1,775 youths, the authors explored the r elationship of labor market participation on delinquency. Consistent w ith the limited existing research, the results revealed that working w hile in school as measured by hours employed each week, increased deli nquent involvement among high-risk males. These findings caution that unless carried out carefully and in conjunction with other treatment m odalities, delinquency prevention programs based on employment are lik ely to be ineffective if not criminogenic.