AN EXPLORATORY-STUDY OF YOUNG-ADULT BLACK AND LATINO MALES AND THE FACTORS FACILITATING THEIR DECISIONS TO MAKE POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL-CHANGES

This paper focuses on one factor that facilitated decisions to make po sitive behavioral changes among twenty young adult Black anti Latino m ales who had previously been involved in crimes such as illegal drug m arketing, crimes of violence, and property crimes. The respondents wer e part of an exploratory study that collected data through extensive i nterviews. The interviews disclosed several personal and environmental factors that facilitated their decisions to change. The factor addres sed in this paper is their concern and respect for children demonstrat ed through fatherhood and mentorship. Implications for social work, so cial service providers, and youth program staff are discussed.