Juvenile homicide offender recidivism

Journal of Criminal Psychology,Volume 7, Issue 2, May 2017. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine and explain the recidivism outcomes of a large cohort of juvenile homicide offenders three years following their release from institutional confinement. Design/methodology/approach Retrospective data was utilized to examine demographic, background, and institutional behavior variables on post-release recidivism of 247 juvenile homicide offenders. Analyses distinguish between capital and non-capital juvenile homicide offenders. Findings Descriptive analyses demonstrated a 50 percent recidivism rate among the sample of juvenile homicide offenders. Bivariate analyses revealed few significant differences between capital and non-capital homicide offending juveniles. Logistic regression analyses revealed that youth who were neglected prior to state institutionalization were significantly more likely to recidivate. Logistic regression also revealed that longer lengths of incarceration were associated with decreased odds of recidivism, while participating in assaultive behaviors against peers while confined aggravated the odds of recidivism. Research limitations/implications Implications related to the role that previous neglect, incarceration time, and institutional behavior can inform policy makers and practitioners on issues related to the treatment of juvenile homicide offenders while confined, and the impact that incarceration time and institutional behavior mean for p...

Source: Journal of Criminal Psychology - March 13, 2017 Category: Criminology Source Type: research