This study investigated predictors of recidivism among juvenile delinquents. Mental health and probation files were reviewed for 138 male juveniks. To assess the extent of recidivism throughout their juvenile years, only data from participants who remained in juvenik jurisdiction until the age of 18 were included in the analyses. Demographic, behavioral, familial, school-related, and crime-related variables were examined Additionaly, the relationships between length of first incarceration and number of subsequent offenses 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

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We developed the Hmong Adaptation of the Beck Depression Inventory (HABDI) and evaluated the instrument's psychometric characteristics. Also examined was the relationship between depression and demographic variables such as age, sex, length of stay in America, English-speaking ability, and social support in Hmong refugees. One hundred twenty-three Hmong living in Fresno County, between the ages of 18 and 66, participated in the study. The new measure demonstrated a high coefficient alpha (.93), and test-retest reliability (.92), and a significant mean score difference between the nondepressed and the depressed groups. Individual items were distributed evenly and correlated highly with the total depression score. The HABDI correctly identified 94% of depressed and 78% of nondepressed in the Hmong sample. The results suggest that quality of social support and years of education play important roles in buffering Hmong refugees against depression, whereas length of stay in America and number of social supports do not.

This study examined mental health and attachment problems in children in foster care. This study also obtained data concerning the validity of the Randolph Attachment Disorder Questionnaire (RADQ). Children were selected according to length of time in placement and age and screened for mental health symptoms using the Child Behavior Checklist and the RADQ. The findings showed that children in foster care have reported symptoms within the range typical of children not involved in foster care. The conclusion is that the RADQ has limited usefulness due to its lack of specificity with implications for treatment of children in foster care.