The interactionist approach to deviance is summarized drawing heavily on Blumer’s conception of continual self-indication and Becker’s examination of the socialization of deviants. The concepts of the self, the definition of the situation, significance, reciprocity and interaction constitute an idea of a human being who is best defined by such terms as homo reciprocus (man in interaction), homo symbolicus (symbolic man), homo faber (man the maker) and homo aestimans (man who evaluates). Symbolic interactionism is used to guide professional assessment and intervention by human services professionals. Correction officers, social workers, counselors, street workers, therapists are positions that would apply the ideas presented in the article.

The aim of this research is focused on identifying the criminogenic factors inherent in the family of children remaining in youth detention centres. This study used a survey as its research method. The analysis of documents (court records, and facility documents) for the family situation of minors was the research technique used here. The study focused on three youth detention centres and shelters for juveniles located in the Silesia Province. The study was carried out in November and December 2010. 50 files of 26 minor boys and 24 minor girls were analysed. Summarizing the research results, it can be concluded that the impact of family on the proper socialization process of children raised in these families is undeniable and significant. Negative factors in the family environments of respondents influenced the formation of negative events which result in the process of demoralization and juvenile delinquency.