NCJ Number
72078
Date Published
1977
Length
311 pages
Annotation
The 1971 cohort of first time juvenile probationers of the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Court, Mich., was studied through December 31, 1964, to determine probation's effects on recidivism and failure to appear in court.
Abstract
The study cohort included 122 boys and 49 girls. Data were collected through juvenile court records and were validated through examination of police agency records and school records. The study's 13 independent variables included sex, race, age, length of probation, offense seriousness, detention length, and 7 other factors. Multivariate analysis was used to relate these variables to six outcome variables, which included likelihood of recidivism, recidivism frequency, and four other variables. Results showed that 43.8 percent of the subjects did not recidivate while on probation; 17 percent committed one offense; 22.8 percent recidivated five or more times. A total of 15.8 percent had their probation revoked. A greater recidivism rate was associated with longer probation, existence of at least one prior preliminary hearing, and a larger nember of prior referrals. Greater revidivism frequency was associated with males, younger probationers, longer probation, younger age at first delinquent referral, and greater number of prior referrals. Results suggested that the court should establish definite probation lenghts of less than 1 year and that alternatives to extended supervision should be considered for high risk offenders. Results also suggested that courts should collect and use data similar to that generated by the present study to develop or modify probation guidelines and decisions. Numerous additional findings, conclusions, and recommendations are included. Tables, figures, footnotes, and a list of 141 references are included. Appendixes present study hypotheses, data collection instruments, and additional results.