NCJ Number
100529
Date Published
1986
Length
9 pages
Annotation
In response to the problem of the serious juvenile offender, the Illinois Department of Corrections developed a classification system based on offender risk and needs, implemented an automated management information system, and assessed the characteristics of this population through a cohort study of 1,246 juveniles admitted between 1978-79.
Abstract
Analysis centered on property offenders (burglars, thieves, armed robbers) and violent offenders (aggravated batterers, sex offenders, and murderers). Results indicate that property offenders were juveniles who were more likely to attempt escape, began their criminal careers at age 11 or younger, failed to respond to community intervention, had family and mental health problems, and occasionally exhibited violence. In contrast, violent offenders attempted escapes less frequently, began criminal careers later, failed to respond to community intervention, had family problems that were rarely detected, and often continued in their violent criminal careers. These differences in profiles between serious juvenile violent and property offenders suggest that corrections programs and services must be specifically tailored for each group.