NCJ Number
80157
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Dated: (1981) Pages: 130-138
Date Published
1981
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study evaluates the efficacy of a special school for truants in New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract
The total sample included 99 boys discharged from the special school during a 3-year period (1975-77) who were first offenders, currently committed for the sole reason of truancy. The control group were boys who were first offender truants placed on probation. Two operational definitions of 'success' were used: absence of truancy and absence of delinquency, as shown by the juvenile court records of the boys. The court records were followed up for 24 months. Boys from the special school sample were followed up from the date of their discharge from the institution. Boys from the probation sample were followed up from the date they were placed on probation. Overall, the findings indicate that the special school and probation do not differ in their reformation of truant boys, as measured by the numbers reconvicted of truancy and criminal offenses. However, among younger boys (9 to 12 years old) who are reconvicted of crimes, those who were committed to the special school have fewer reconvictions and on fewer charges than boys on probation. The findings also indicate that the length of commital to the special school is not related to the school's reformative effects, if any. Therefore, it could be said that the findings support the observation made over a decade ago that there is no evidence available as to the effectiveness of approved schools for truants, except that when committed they cannot truant unless they abscond. The study concludes with the generalization that nonresidential measures for truants are cheaper and less harmful. Tables, footnotes, and about 30 references are provided.