Long-Term Rearrest Rates in a Sample of Adjudicated Delinquents: Evaluating the Impact of Alternative Programs

Abstract

The authors assess the impact of training school versus alternative program placements for a 12-year period on 266 youths remanded to the Texas Youth Commission in 1983. A proportional-hazards model is used to predict time until recidivism as a function of individual characteristics, criminal history, family environment, program placement, and delinquency risk. Being male, of younger age at the time of commitment, and in an institutional program prior to parole are found to significantly increase the hazard of recidivism. Although program experience does not affect the overall incidence of recidivism, it does affect the timing of subsequent criminal acts. Youth placed in alternative programs have significantly longer survival time until recidivism compared to youth who have been in institutions. In addition, these effects are greatest for the youngest offenders. An important benefit of alternative programs may be to lengthen a window of opportunity for additional rehabilitative efforts and interventions during parole.

The role of race in probation monitoring and responses to probation violations among juvenile offenders in two jurisdictions.

“…Detention may also be used to temporarily detain individuals who are at risk of failing to appear at an upcoming hearing. Ironically, time in detention has been linked to increased likelihood of recidivating (Andrews et al, 1990; Benda & Tollett, 1999; Fendrich & Archer, 1998; Shelden, 1999). Furthermore, time in detention can have serious negative effects on youths’ development (Steinberg, Chung, & Little, 2004).…”

The Effects Of Adjudicating And Sentencing Juveniles As Adults

“…Another well-controlled study also found that community-based program placements led to lower recidivism rates (mainly in terms of time to rearrest) than placement in state juvenile correctional facilities (Fendrich & Archer, 1998). The researchers concluded: "Increasing time until an offender is rearrested has important policy ramifications.…”

Can financial incentives reduce juvenile confinement levels? An evaluation of the Redeploy Illinois program

“…The primary goal of these alternatives is to divert youth who would otherwise face residential placement into supervision and specialized programming in their local communities. When used with appropriate populations, community based treatment has resulted in reduced levels of recidivism for youth, and decreased incarceration rates (Bohnstedt, 1978;Coumarelos, 1994;Coumarelos & Weatherburn, 1995;Fendrich & Archer, 1998;Patrick & Marsh, 2005).…”