1994 Articles

Force African-American Fathers To Parent Their Delinquent Sons--A Factor To Be Considered At The Dispositional Stage

Langston, Lundy

Part I of this Article discusses issues plaguing African-American males. Part II addresses the best interests of the child test as it arises in the dispositional stage for juvenile delinquents. Part III discusses the African-American father as nurturer, and considers the implications of forcing him to parent even though he is absent from the home. Part IV notes that the state has forced parents to "parent" in other areas, thus the notion of forced parentage can be implemented for delinquents. Part V concludes that the remedial measure of forced parentage may be necessary as a pro-survival measure, outweighing any anti-mother, anti-womanist, or anti-feminist notions. Understanding the role racism plays in our society, I conclude that forced parentage is necessary for the survival and prosperity of the African-American community, and that it would be in the best interests of both delinquent African-American male youth and society as a whole.