NCJ Number
160791
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 47 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1996) Pages: 41-55
Date Published
1996
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Using a stringent statistical technique, this study provides additional evidence of the potential that juvenile court histories have for both theory and practice.
Abstract
This report supplements a prior article in this journal (Rogers and Williams, 1994). Using Ted Palmer's 1991 formulation, the authors identified a set of indicators relevant to juvenile court decisionmaking and to policy formulation. This current study explores case materials obtained and maintained by juvenile probation officers as a way of generating outcome predictors for whether youth receive probation or institutionalization. Using discriminant function analysis, the authors achieve relatively good prediction. Delinquency history and social psychological variables enhance prediction of case outcomes. Contrary to the prediction of some scholars, the authors believe the juvenile court is here to stay. Thus, the fundamental issue is that of making the court a more efficient, effective instrument for reintegrating into society the juveniles it serves. As the juvenile court approaches its centennial in 1999, the court must become a focal point of research. This study furthers that task. After identifying the three strongest predictive variables (offense after first hearing, alienation, and denial of blame), the study uses seven key indicators as a guide for illustrating their application by juvenile probation officers in working with juvenile clients. 2 tables and 73 references