NCJ Number
223601
Journal
Journal of Experimental Criminology Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2008 Pages: 137-163
Date Published
June 2008
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This study sought to augment existing research on Teen Court (TC) effectiveness.
Abstract
This study of effectiveness found that self-reported delinquency was higher for those youth who participated in TC. These youth were also found to have significantly lower scores on a scale of belief in conventional rules than had youth who were processed in the Department of Juveniles Services. Teen Court, a juvenile diversion program designed to prevent the formal processing of first-time juvenile offenders within the juvenile justice system, utilizes informal processing and sanctions in order to prevent future offending. The paper notes that despite its widespread popularity throughout the United States of America, little rigorous research has been conducted on the effectiveness of the TC model for reducing recidivism. Using an experimental design, this study examined the effectiveness of TC in reducing recidivism and improving the attitudes and opinions of juvenile offenders in comparison with a control group of youth who were formally processed. Additionally, implications of these findings were discussed. Data were derived from four TCs in the State of Maryland. All offenses for these courts had to have been misdemeanors and eligible for venue there, with the offenders being between the ages of 11 and 17, and taking personal responsibility. Tables, appendices, references