NCJ Number
145685
Journal
Social Policy Dated: (Winter 1986) Pages: 52-57
Date Published
1986
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study examined nonexperimental data on criminal recidivism to identify trends in the efficacy of various forms of intervention.
Abstract
These findings are based on information abstracted from the published literature. Direct comparisons of the average rate of recidivism among intervention strategies was not possible because of variations in definitions, study length, and geographic areas. In assessing each intervention, the researchers analyzed juvenile and adult groups separately for each definition of recidivism found in the literature. Overall, the evidence indicated that, for adult offenders, supervision after release from confinement is a critical component of correctional effectiveness, and therefore the current trend toward eliminating parole supervision for released offenders should be reconsidered. Standard parole supervision seemed to be as effective as work release, early release, and special parole programs in preventing recidivism. Short-term resource-oriented programs (i.e., financial assistance and job placement) seemed to be effective in reducing adult recidivism. The findings from studies of juveniles offenders showed that juveniles who were incarcerated and subsequently placed on parole had higher recidivism rates than those placed on probation. Juveniles who received shock probation had much lower rates of recidivism than those who received standard probation. Nonsupervisory assistance was the only social work intervention that yielded positive results in terms of reduced juvenile recidivism. 22 references