NCJ Number
96462
Date Published
1983
Length
102 pages
Annotation
A study undertaken to determine the extent, nature, and causes of recidivism among the children discharged from the Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA) of New York is described.
Abstract
Literature on recidivism in criminal justice, mental health, and foster care is reviewed, and the study methodology is explained. The sample consisted of all children under 18 who were discharged from the JCCA during the years 1978 and 1979 to parents, relatives, friends, or adoptive parents; 335 children were studied. To determine if recidivism had occurred, telephone interviews were conducted with the parents or guardians of the children. Further, two data collection instruments were used: a short form designed to capture the information in JCCA's statistical records and a questionnaire administered via the telephone. Eighty-five children were identified as recidivists. Of these, 49 were readmitted to foster care-type facilities; 38 returned to JCCA. Four were admitted to residential diagnostic facilities, 15 to mental hospitals, and 2 to substance abuse programs. The predominant reason given for recidivism was the inability of the parent or relative to cope with the child; other reasons were antisocial behavior in the home, community, or school, and drug abuse and truancy. Children aged 13 to 15 recidivated more often than others, and females recidivated more than males. The study concluded that casework methods must be examined and alternative must be tested to determine the most effective approach for guaranteeing permanency for children and their families. The survey instruments are provided in the appendixes. Fifty-two tables are included.