Examines recidivism among 792 graduates of Arkansas' only boot camp. Results indicate that the primary predictors of recidivism were the type of offenses (drugs vs. others), race, and infractions while in boot camp. However, none of the predictors accounted for more than minor proportions of the variance in recidivism. (RJM)

Compares the recidivism of 2,738 juveniles who were transferred to criminal court in Florida in 1987 to that of a matched sample retained in the juvenile system. By every measure of recidivism employed, including rates of reoffending, seriousness of reoffending, and time to failure, reoffending was greater among transfers than the matched…

Treatment strategies of the juvenile justice system focus singularly on rehabilitation of offenders, and victims and communities are excluded from the rehabilitative process. Restorative justice views victims and communities as essential components in rehabilitative efforts. In this article, the principles and practices of restorative justice,…

We report the impact of case management services and youth psychopathy on Juvenile Diversion program completion for youths involved in a clinical trial, and evaluation of an innovative intervention service providing 16 weeks of intensive case management services to youths and their families. The present study examines baseline interview data for…

This study examined differences in psychosocial development of adolescent offenders in a residential treatment program between early adolescents and midadolescents and boys and girls. The study also evaluated gains after 6 months of treatment. Results suggest focused developmental treatment for early adolescents and specifically targeted…

Recent statements by social scientists and legal professionals have pointed to the need for a general research framework within which discretionary practices in the juvenile justice system can be empirically described and evaluated. The present article proposes social judgment theory as one framework suitable for addressing these issues. (Author)

Four basic social learning principles are presented along with examples of how each is utilized first to learn delinquent behavior and then in helping delinquents change. (Author/LHW)

Reviews the process by which the juvenile justice system seems to worsen the problem it intends to cure. Reports on a study which found that youth who are arrested and adjudicated subsequently become more deliquent than their peers who have committed a recent felonious act but were not caught. (KH)

The John Howard Society of Ontario has extended its services to juveniles in hopes of preventing them from becoming adult criminals. This program encourages interaction and involvement between delinquent youngsters, parents, the victim, and the worker. This interaction instills responsibility for conduct and deemphasizes classical concepts of…

The author discusses the concepts of giftedness and the problems inherent in identifying gifted children. He proposes that the development of screening techniques might aid early identification of gifted children "at risk" and that attempts should be made to profile gifted delinquents who may not respond well to therapy. (CT)

Study (a) investigated differences in demographic variables, previous delinquent/criminal behavior variables, family system variables, juvenile court system variables, and subsequent delinquent behavior variables between court-involved juvenile delinquent youth who did and did not receive services; and (b) created a predictive model that would…

Investigates the factoral validity of the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI) in a sample of 250 adolescent offenders. Results revealed a two-factor structure for the seven clinical scales. Findings suggest that the MACI may provide important information that psychologists find useful in the formulation of treatment plans as well as…

Examines issues surrounding detention of young people in Westchester County, New York, as the county attempts to deal with the increasing number of juveniles. Discusses length of stay, violation of the "least restrictive principle" and negative effects. Concludes that new statutory criteria must be developed for the admission of youths to secure…

Examines how adults can build attachments to "unclaimed kids", kids that typically develop internal models of themselves as unworthy and unlovable. Contrary to popular belief, it is not "broken families" that cause delinquency, but rather broken bonds between youth and adults. Rekindling an adult relationship, though difficult, may be a solution…

Discusses the rise of juvenile crime in the United States, explores the failure of the juvenile justice system to stem the tide of youth crime, and examines the issue of prevention. The author argues the need to always hold youth offenders accountable for the crimes they commit and suggests several means by which restitution may be made. (GR)