NCJ Number
173673
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 27 Issue: 1/2 Dated: 1998 Pages: 23-35
Date Published
1998
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examines the likelihood of violent criminal re-offending by juvenile delinquents diagnosed as extremely dangerous.
Abstract
The study followed 44 subjects who had been diagnosed as extremely dangerous during placement in an institution for adjudicated juvenile delinquents. Characteristics studied included post-release criminal behavior, sentences imposed for such behavior, and type of crime. Follow-up study for periods ranging from 2 years post-release to more than 10 years post-release found that the vast majority had been reinvolved in crime; of those recidivists, only one had not been involved in a violent offense. The diagnosis of extremely dangerous was intended to predict the short-term likelihood of dangerousness, to protect staff from individuals most likely to assault and hurt others, and to intervene psychologically with the individuals so designated. This study suggests that individual psychological intervention had no significant long-term impact on reducing the likelihood of future violent criminal acts. Results also indicate that use of this status as a gauge to future violent criminal behavior is justifiable, and supports earlier studies showing that releasing individuals without extensive community support and intervention will result in a high likelihood of re-offending. Tables, references