NCJ Number
129852
Journal
Journal of Community Psychology Volume: 15 Dated: (January 1987) Pages: 43-50
Date Published
1987
Length
8 pages
Annotation
To evaluate the effectiveness of a secondary prevention program designed to reduce recidivism in a rural community, a group of 55 first offenders was compared with 177 cohort control subjects. The study group was developed through consultation with a rural juvenile court, while the control group appeared before the same court prior to program implementation.
Abstract
The program considered the unique aspects of rural communities including geographic isolation, cultural values different from those of an urban society, and limited professional resources. The results showed that program participants had a recidivism rate one-quarter that of the cohort. The authors believe that changes in those working with delinquents were the key factor in this outcome, although changes in the judicial process to make it more effective and changes in the participants who received educational instruction, parental assistance, and counseling also affected the recidivism rate. 27 references (Author abstract modified)