American family life has changed drastically over the last generation. Divorce is more prevalent; more children are living with one parent; and a significant number of children are affected by developmental, learning, and behavioral disorders. Neglect, indifference, and hostility may render parents who are physically present "psychologically absent." Characteristics of the family are integrally related to delinquency, and these characteristics generally involve ineffectual family functioning which is experienced as problematic by children. The bonding of child to both parents is essential. In the absence of adequate attachment, the remaining steps towards bonding the child to society are problematic at best. Poor family attachment diminishes commitment to long-range goals and weakens commitment to school, spawning academic failure and even dropping out. The family correlates of juvenile delinquency are poor socialization practices, poor discipline skills, poor parent/child relationships, excessive family conflict and marital discord, and family chaos and stress. Identifying families at risk and strengthening them is not only an obligation, but an endowment that will pay multiple dividends in fortifying the future of the country. 89 references