Variables related to recidivism among juvenile offenders

This study investigated predictors of recidivism among juvenile delinquents. Mental health and probation files were reviewed for 138 male juveniles To assess the extent of recidivism throughout their juvenile years, only data from participants who remained in juvenile jurisdiction until the age of 18 were included in the analyses. Demographic, behavioral, familial, school-related, and crime-related variables were examined. Additionally, the relationships between length of first incarceration and number of subsequent offences for violent and property first-time offenders were investigated Multiple regression analyses indicated that age at first conviction, alcohol abuse, status conviction, length of first incarceration, group home placement and birth order best predicted recidivism Further results revealed that length of first incarceration and subsequent convictions were positively correlated for property first-time offenders. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.