NCJ Number
159228
Date Published
1995
Length
27 pages
Annotation
The first four groups of juvenile delinquents who entered the Manatee County (Fla.) Boot Camp were studied in a 1-year followup that focused on offender characteristics, program completion, and recidivism.
Abstract
The typical participant was a 16-year-old male who had committed a felony property offense. Fifty-eight recruits graduated between July and September 1993, representing a 100 percent completion rate except for recruits removed for medical reasons or due to previously acquired charges. Seventy-one percent graduated within 4 months as scheduled. The average total length of stay, including those returned to boot camp after graduation, was 158 days. Recruits earned an average of 3.7 high school credits while in boot camp and an additional 2.6 credits during aftercare. Average scores on the Test of Adult Basic Education increased almost two grade levels overall during boot camp. Forty percent of the graduates successfully completed aftercare. Eighty-seven percent of those who successfully completed aftercare were employed at the time of their release. Seventy-four percent of the recruits were rearrested within 1 year of graduation; 60 percent have subsequently been readjudicated or reconvicted on the new charges, and 28 percent have been recommitted to the Department of Juvenile Justice. The largest proportion of rearrests was for felony property offenses. The majority of rearrests occurred within 5 months of graduation from boot camp. Tables, figures, and appended list of offense categories