NCJ Number
141524
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 19 Issue: 1/2 Dated: (1993) Pages: 101-111
Date Published
1993
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Research was undertaken with adjudicated adolescents who were court-referred to a comprehensive social service program in order to examine psychometric data at the time of referral with respect to program implications and to assess the impact of intervention on educational and psychological variables.
Abstract
The subjects consisted of 152 adjudicated adolescents who were referred to the program over a 1-year period. The sample included 118 males and 34 females, 138 whites and 13 blacks, and 92 delinquents. The mean age at the time of pretesting was 15.5 years, with a range of 12 to 17 years. The Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised and the Millon Adolescent Personality Inventory were administered individually to all subjects at the time of referral and after initial placement. Pretesting provided evidence of significant academic underachievement in all areas, as well as significant disturbances in psychosocial functioning. Posttesting documented improvements in all areas of academic achievement and on 12 of 20 psychological variables. About two-thirds of the subjects identified their family situation as a significant area of concern. As a group, subjects generally described themselves as discontented and forceful and expressed concern about self-esteem and personal identity. On a behavioral level, they frequently reported problems with impulse control, social conformity, and academic achievement. As individuals, however, they represented an extremely diverse group that required individualized assessment and treatment plans. 11 references and 4 tables