NCJ Number
102388
Date Published
1984
Length
166 pages
Annotation
This Massachusetts study, conducted from June 1978 to December 1981, examined the interaction between the characteristics of juveniles and juvenile programs in three Massachusetts communities (East Boston, Allston/Brighton, and Franklin Field/Mattapan) and the effects of this interaction on juveniles' experiences in community programs.
Abstract
Data were obtained on the characteristics of approximately 300 randomly selected juveniles in each community. In each sample, 100 juveniles had no police contacts, 100 had police contacts but no court contacts, and 100 had court contacts. Youth characteristics were determined through interviews with the juveniles and their parents. Characteristics of juvenile programs in each community were determined through interviews with staff. Juveniles' experiences in the programs were determined through data on attendance frequency, desire to attend, expulsion from the program, social climate, role relationships with staff, program disorder, program stigma, similarity to other participants, and linkage to other programs. There were small and inconsistent effects in the relationship between juvenile characteristics and program characteristics. Definitive statements cannot be made about the effects of program variables on youths' experiences in those programs. Some conclusions can be drawn about which youth characteristics are related to youths' program experiences. Major patterns of effects pertain to demographic variables, delinquency variables, program type, and community. Study limitations are noted; recommendations for future research are offered. Tentative policy implications of study findings are discussed. Tabular data and 57 references.