NCJ Number
172905
Journal
Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: 1998 Pages: 57-77
Date Published
1998
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study of juvenile recidivism predictors in a sample of more than 9,000 young people processed at the Hillsborough County, Florida, Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) between May 1993 and December 1995 revealed significant relationships among demographic characteristics, dependency referral factors, delinquency referral history variables, and recidivism.
Abstract
The 9,176 young people processed at the JAC ranged in age from 12 to 19 years with an average of 15 years. Most were male; 45 percent were white and 43 percent were black. Consistent with other research, the young people appeared to have significant educational problems. Most entered the JAC as a result of being taken into custody on new charges (80 percent), property felony offenses (38 percent), and property misdemeanors (26 percent). Many young people had repeated contact with the juvenile court. Findings revealed significant relationships among demographic characteristics, dependency referral factors (physical abuse and neglect), delinquency referral history variables (property, violent, public order, and drug offenses), and recidivism. Overall, the various predictor variables accounted for 24 percent of the variance in recidivism. Service delivery and policy implications of the findings are discussed. 41 references and 7 tables