Differences Among Substance Abusing Latino, Anglo, and African-American Juvenile Offenders in Predictors of Recidivism and Treatment Outcome

• NCJ Number: 219475
• Journal: Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: 2006 Pages: 5-29
• Author(s): Stephanie L. Rivaux; David W. Springer; Thomas Bohman; Eric F. Wagner; Andres G. Gil
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 25 pages
• Grant Number(s): R24-DA13579
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse; US Dept of Health and Human Services; University of Texas at Austin, School of Social Work
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the impact of risk factors on recidivism and treatment outcomes among substance abusing Latino, Anglo, and African-American juvenile offenders.

Abstract

Main findings revealed that: (1) older adolescents and males were more likely to have a greater number and severity of offenses; (2) older adolescents were less likely to successfully complete treatment; (3) extremely long treatment times were associated with poorer outcomes; and (4) Latino and African-American youth were significantly different in terms of which risk factors predicted recidivism and treatment outcomes. More specifically, findings indicated that greater family problems were associated with recidivism for Latino adolescents while greater psychological problems were associated with recidivism for African-American adolescents. The findings suggest that prevention of youth substance abuse should be a significant focus of work with youth. Additionally, practitioners who work with youth should strive for earlier identification and intervention with youth who are involved with substance abuse. Future research should further focus on the impact of time in treatment for substance abusing juvenile offenders. Data were drawn from an evaluation study of the Travis County, Texas Juvenile Offender Substance Abuse Treatment Services (JOSATS) Network. Participants were 278 youth who received substance abuse services through the Travis County Juvenile Court (TCJC). Participants ranged in age from 12 to 18 years and approximately half were Latino, one-quarter were African-American, and the remainder were White. Data included self-reported risk factors, which were measured using the Comprehensive Addiction Severity Index for Adolescents (CASI-A). Risk factors under examination included family structure and interactions, peer influences, education, psychiatric history, substance abuse history, stressful life events, and use of leisure time. Recidivism data was gathered from the juvenile and adult court records and included new offenses, most severe new offenses, and mean severity of new offenses. Treatment data were gathered from treatment providers and court records. Data were analyzed using a generalized linear model. Tables, figures, references