Racial differences in the associations of neighborhood disadvantage, exposure to violence, and criminal recidivism among female juvenile offenders

Abstract

The current study examined the impact of exposure to violence and neighborhood disadvantage on criminal recidivism among Black (n = 69) and White (n = 53) female juvenile offenders. Participants were girls between the ages of 13 and 19 (M = 16.8; SD = 1.2) who were sentenced to secure custody. Using a multi-method research design, the study assessed neighborhood disadvantage through census level data, exposure to violence through self-report, and criminal recidivism through official records. Results indicated that Black girls were significantly more likely than White girls to live in disadvantaged neighborhoods, but both reported similar levels of parental physical abuse and witnessing neighborhood violence. In structural equation models, neighborhood disadvantage and witnessing neighborhood violence were indicative of future recidivism for the group as a whole. However, multiple group analyses indicated the existence of race specific pathways to recidivism. Witnessing neighborhood violence was associated with recidivism for Black girls while parental physical abuse was associated with recidivism for White girls. Results suggest that characteristics within the neighborhood play a considerable role in recidivism among female juvenile offenders generally and Black female juvenile offenders, specifically. Race specific risk models warrant further investigation, and may help lawmakers and clinicians in addressing racial disparities in the justice system.

Overview of Substance Use Disorders and Incarceration of African American Males

“…Urban substance users’ risk of incarceration will be exacerbated by neighborhood physical and social disorder hazards like public consumption of alcohol, selling drugs, loitering, and crime or violence (Whitaker et al, 2011). Risk factors related to neighborhood disadvantage will lead to 60–70% of disparities in criminal justice and recidivism (Sampson et al, 2005; Chauhan et al, 2009). …”

Effects of Alcohol on Trajectories of Physical Aggression Among Urban Youth: An Application of Latent Trajectory Modeling

“…Our findings are also consistent with studies showing ethnic and racial differences in exposure to crime (Logan and Stults 1999; Logan et al 2004). For instance, evidence suggests an independent effect of race on exposure to violent crime regardless of socioeconomic status, in that Blacks live in communities with higher rates of violent crime when compared with their White counterparts (Chauhan et al 2009; Logan and Stults 1999). Similarly, research suggests that youth who live in socially disadvantaged contexts report higher rates of delinquent behaviors, exposure to violence, and neighborhood problems (Elliott et al 1996a; Piquero et al 2006; Tobler et al 2009b).…”

Risk and Protective Factors for Educational Achievement Among Serious Offending Girls

“…This study was limited in that it did not examine neighborhood affluence and female adolescents comprised <10% of the sample. In addition, neighborhood perceptions have received little attention in relation to educational outcomes even though this seems to be an important factor among offending girls (Chauhan, Reppucci, & Turkheimer, ).…”