U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Study Characteristics and Recidivism Base Rates in Juvenile Sex Offender Recidivism

NCJ Number
230239
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 54 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2010 Pages: 197-212
Author(s)
Michael F. Caldwell
Date Published
April 2010
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study reports on the results of a review and meta-analysis of 63 datasets that examine sexual recidivism among juvenile sex offenders.
Abstract
The studies include a total of 11,219 juvenile sex offenders, followed for a weighted mean of 59.4 months (SD = 36.1 months). Recidivism is identified through official records of arrest or conviction. The weighted mean sexual recidivism rate is 7.08 percent ( SD = 3.9 percent). The weighted mean rate of general recidivism is 43.4 percent (SD = 18.9 percent). Studies that examine sexual recidivism during adolescence find monthly sexual recidivism rates that are more than 4 times higher than those found in studies that rely only on adult recidivism records. Neither the level of secured placement (community, residential, or secured custody) nor the use of arrest versus conviction as an outcome significantly influences sexual recidivism rates. Tables and references (Published Abstract)