NCJ Number
88534
Journal
British Journal of Criminology, Delinquency and Deviant Social Behavior Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1983) Pages: 17-34
Date Published
1983
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Juvenile offenders retained on regular parole supervision in California had recidivism rates similar to those for youthful offenders discharged from supervision.
Abstract
However, the two groups differed with respect to the nature and severity of their offenses and the categories of offenders who showed differential performance. The 314 youths in the study were randomly assigned to either discharge from parole in March 1976 or retention on regular parole supervision. A total of 296 of the cases were followed for 26 months. The parolees were more likely to be charged with serious crimes, while those discharged were more likely to be charged with drug and alcohol-related offenses. The parolees also spent a somewhat higher overall mean number of months in custody than did those who were discharged. Older parolees categorized as being of low risk were more likely to be charged with a higher overall mean number of offenses, particularly property offenses. Parolees with less serious prior records were also more likely to spend time in custody during the followup period. Some parolees can be randomly discharged with parole without increased risk to the public. Further research should focus on this issue as well as on the direct discharge from institutions for selected offenders. The current reassessment of parole in the United States may lead to further changes as well. Tables, appendixes presenting additional data, and 45 references are provided.