Does the presence of transitional programs for juvenile offenders have an effect on recidivism rates among urban students?

1. Running head: JUVENILE OFFENDERS: TRANSITIONAL PROGRAMS AND RECIDIVISM 1
Research Question: Does the presence of transitional programs for juvenile offenders have an
effect on recidivism rates among urban students?
LaKeisha Weber
Xavier University of Louisiana
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for EDCG 5010 Research Methods
Sr. Alicia Costa, S.S.F., Professor
February 3, 2014

2. JUVENILE OFFENDERS: TRANSITIONAL PROGRAMS AND RECIDIVISM 2
Calley, N. G. (2012). Juvenile offender recidivism: An examination of risk factors. Journal of
Child Sexual Abuse, 21(3), 257-272. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete
database.
Critique
Juvenile offenders often times find themselves reentering the justice system after
committing a repeat offense. Post-release, many of them are sent to residential treatment
facilities to aid them in their transition back into society and school. Unfortunately, many of
them fail to remain law abiding citizens which results in high rates of recidivism amongst the
population. In order to reduce the prevalence of re-offense, the variables that lead up and
contribute to the initial charges must be identified. The possible factors or variables identified by
numerous researchers, including the researchers conducting this study were: (1) type of offense,
(2) age when offense was committed, (3) child welfare system involvement, (4) termination of
parental rights, (5) parental criminal history, (6) family support, (7) program completion, (8)
length of treatment, and (9) discharge placement. The purpose of this study was to analyze the
recidivism of a group of male juvenile offenders upon the completion of a residential treatment
stay, and to determine whether the nine factors contributed to their recidivism. The researcher’s
hypothesis was not clearly stated within the literature.
Conducted inside a secure residential treatment center in the Midwest, the participants
were 177 male offenders who entered the center between the years 2005-2008. The center
focused on cognitive-behavioral treatment. The need for data for the two year follow-up
decreased the number of participants to 166. The participants varied in race with African-
Americans (78.3%) being the most prevalent. They ranged in ages from 14-21 years with 16
years of age being the majority. The nature of the crimes committed was separated into three

3. JUVENILE OFFENDERS: TRANSITIONAL PROGRAMS AND RECIDIVISM 3
categories: (a) general offenders, (b) juvenile sex offenders, and (c) juvenile substance abusers,
general offenders being the largest population (58.4%).
Data aligned with the nine variables were collected by the researchers upon arrival to the
facility and upon release. Within 30 days of their arrival, researchers collected baseline data on
each participant using the Initial Youth Information Form. Once the participants completed their
stay and were released, a Discharge Tracking Form was drafted. The form detailed their progress
while in the facility, as well as the level of caregiver participation.
24 months post-release, the recidivism of the participants was analyzed statistically using
a logistic regression with stepwise and backward variable. It was determined that the rate of
recidivism was 23.4% amongst the participants; general offenders showing the greatest potential
for re-offense (32.9%). Juvenile sexual offenders had 0% recidivism, possibly due to the
supports and extensive monitoring they receive upon release. Of the nine variables studied, the
only link found to affect recidivism was the nature of the crime committed; there was no
significant evidence to show that the other eight factors little to no effect on the recidivism of the
participants.
This study dispels the link between the variables that many individuals associate with the
creation of juvenile offenders. The data collection method used within this study can be helpful
in my gathering of data related to my study. The ideas implied by the researchers related to the
lack of re-offense by sexual offenders can be the most helpful. If general and substance offenders
were to be offered the same supports as that of sexual offenders, it can have a positive impact on
their recidivism rates as well.

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References
Caldwell, M. F. (2002). What we do not know about juvenile sexual offence risk. Child
Maltreatment, 7, 291–302.
Caldwell, M. F., & Dickinson, C. (2009). Sex offender registration and recidivism risk in
juvenile sexual offenders. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 27, 941–956.
Calley, N. G. (2007). Integrating theory and research: Developing a research-based treatment
program for juvenile male sex offenders. Journal of Counseling and Development, 85,
131–142.
Hendriks, J., & Bijleveld, C. (2008). Recidivism among juvenile sex offenders after residential
treatment. Journal of Sexual Aggression, 14, 19–32
McMackin, R. A., Tansi, R., & LaFratta, J. (2004). Recidivism among juvenile offenders over
periods ranging from one to twenty years following residential treatment. Journal of
Offender Rehabilitation, 38, 1–15.