Ethnic and Gender Differences in Offending Patterns: Examining Family Group Conferencing Interventions among At-Risk Adolescents

Abstract

This secondary study looked at the importance of ethnicity and gender in influencing the relationship between Family Group Conferencing and (FGC) recidivism. The FGC is a mediation procedure involving offenders, their families, and victims of their crimes in which outcomes of material and emotional restitution are sought. Offenders, randomly sampled to participate in a control or experimental group, were sampled via mail, telephone, and in-person interviews. Data from court records were utilized to obtain recidivism rates over an 18-month period. Multivariate analysis indicated a statistically significant difference between the re-arrest rates of FGC participants and non-participants. Female offenders were more likely to avoid arrest than their male counterparts. This study found that ethnicity was not a statistically significant indicator of re-arrest. The FGC has efficacy for juvenile offenders as (1) a cost-effective method to intervene with offenders in their own communities (2) provides alternatives to formal adjudication for vulnerable populations-females and people of color.

Evaluation of an Innovative Post-Arrest Diversion Program: 12-Month Recidivism Analysis

“…In general, males are more likely to recidivate than females (e.g., Baffour, 2006;Dembo, Schmeidler, Nini-Gough, Sue, Borden, & Manning, 1998;Minor, Hartmann, & Terry, 1997;Schwalbe, Fraser, Day, & Cooley, 2006; but see Benda, Corwyn, & Toombs, 2001). Race and ethnicity are also associated with recidivism, such that individuals who are of a minority race or ethnicity are at greater risk of recidivism (e.g., Dembo et al, 1998;Minor et al, 1997;Schwalbe et al, 2006; but see Baffour, 2006). Age has also been associated with recidivism (e.g., Minor et al, 1997).…”

Connecting restorative justice with gender-responsive programming

“…Daly and Stubbs (2006) critically note the absence of gender in discussions of the RISE finding, but other studies suggest that girls may benefit even more than boys from restorative programming. Baffour's (2006) study of family group conferencing demonstrated greater reduction in recidivism for female offenders as compared to their male counterparts. Rodriguez's study (2007) found that girls and juveniles with minimal criminal history records had the most success from participating in RJ programs.…”

Victims’ Experiences of Restorative Mediation: A Developmental Social Work Perspective

“…Mediation has a rich cultural heritage and draws upon various indigenous problemsolving techniques (Baffour, 2006). Its formalisation in restorative justice in the 1980s stems from the traditional conflict-resolution techniques of the Maori in New Zealand and in Indian communities in North America (Zehr, 2004).…”

“…However, these studies are often marred by small sample sizes, lack of representation of study populations, absence of experimental controls, and non-comparable definitions of recidivism. In addition, many studies focus on process measures, in particular experiences of fairness and restoration, without considering outcomes such as recidivism (Baffour, 2006;Bergseth & Bouffard, 2007;Bonta, Wallace-Capretta, Rooney & McAnoy, 2002;McCold & Wachtel, 2000). It is also important to keep in mind that results are influenced by self-selection bias, since programmes are voluntary and participants may be more motivated to ensure positive outcomes (Hudson, 2002;Latimer, Dowden & Muise, 2005).…”

“…An offender's previous contact with the police serves as an important predictor of poorer restorative outcomes (Baffour, 2006;Bergseth & Bouffard, 2007;De Beus & Rodriguez, 2007;Rodriguez, 2007). Female offenders demonstrate better outcomes than males (Baffour, 2006;De Beus & Rodriguez, 2007;Rodriguez, 2007). Also, longer periods of follow-up result in lower re-offending rates (Bradshaw et al, 2006).…”