Recidivism Among Juvenile Offenders Following Release From Residential Placements: Multivariate Predictors and Gender Differences

• NCJ Number: 223139
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 46 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2008 Pages: 171-188
• Author(s): Kevin I. Minor; James B. Wells; Earl Angel
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the influence of 33 variables on recidivism during 18 months after the release of 580 juvenile offenders from residential placements.

Abstract

This study found that 52.2 percent of the 580 juveniles were adjudicated for a class A misdemeanor or a felony crime committed within 18 months after release from residential placement. Year of release (2000 or 2001) was not significantly associated with recidivism. Boys were over two times more likely than girls to reoffend. The probability of reoffending was also greater for youth with histories of abandonment as well as those with special education needs; however, those with a documented history of sexual abuse were 44.6 percent less likely to reoffend than those without such a history. The authors, along with previous studies, suggest that this may be because youth with an identified history of sexual abuse receive treatment and instruction in coping skills needed to deal with their trauma. None of the variables predictive of recidivism in the combined gender model remained significant for girls in a separate gender model. The only variable predictive of female recidivism was previous out-of-home placements. None of the following variables were predictive of recidivism for girls or boys: history of behavior problems in school, truancy, sexually inappropriate activity, substance abuse, assaultive behavior, previous treatment for mental health or substance abuse, gang involvement, prior court adjudication, and prior violations of court orders. Every fourth male on the list of releasees in the sampling frame (2,000 youth released from residential placement in 2000-2001 in Kentucky) was included in the study (467 boys). Every female in the sampling frame (n=113) was included in the sample in order to ensure an adequate number of female cases for analysis. The data source included both automated and hardcopy case history and tracking databases maintained by Kentucky's Division of Juvenile Justice. 5 tables and 27 references