NCJ Number
177501
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Dated: March/April 1999 Pages: 111-126
Date Published
1999
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study's purpose was to identify the significant risk factors associated with return to the Arkansas Division of Youth Services (DYS) and the number of days adolescents remained in the community without being returned to DYS during a 1-year follow-up period.
Abstract
Risk factors analyzed represented all information on demographic, familial, affiliational, and behavioral characteristics available in DYS records. The study also involved psychological tests commonly used for classifications of risk. The primary value of the study was to determine the relative and cumulative effects of these commonly used data elements on recidivism among serious youthful offenders. The sample consisted of 244 adolescents who had been in a Serious Offender Program operated by the DYS. The findings show that none of the psychological scales were relevant to return to DYS when other study factors were considered in the same analysis. The significant predictors indicate that the odds of return to DYS were increased 13.5 by prior commitments, 3.35 by carrying a weapon, 2.38 for those neglected or abused by parents, 2.27 for those with peers present at the time of their committing offense, 2.03 for gang members, 1.75 for males (compared to females), 1.68 for those whose mothers abused substances, 1.63 for those with poor parental relationships, 1.41 for those who were not residing in a home with two parents (either biological or stepparents), and 1.40 for persons of color (compared to Caucasians). The predictors of days in the community were prior commitments to DYS and gender. Implications of these findings for intervention are discussed. 4 tables, 4 notes, and 75 references