Preventing Juvenile Recidivism

Studies by various researchers indicate an increase in the rate of recidivism among young people (Mears et al. 2015). Prevention of recidivism is not a new phenomenon in the juvenile system but what is new is the growing numbers of minor graduating from the department of juvenile justice and entering the adult prison facilities. Although many pieces of research exist on how to prevent juvenile recidivism, how to prevent the teens currently serving in the youth system from graduating to prisons is not well researched. Of the many aspects of juvenile delinquency, preventing the youth offenders from growing to become adult offenders is arguably an essential step because it provides a solution for the entire justice system.

According to Carcach (1999), it is important to understand the reasons that lead juveniles to re-offend. Understanding the factors will assist policy makers to establish policies that will help break recidivism cycle. Juvenile delinquency affects the community and more so the family (King, et al., 2015). A practical way of preventing the teens from falling back to delinquency is to create a parental program since parents play a critical role in the life of the teen. Incarceration is a cycle that can rotate from one generation to another. The term incarcerated parents means that their children are left behind living in poor conditions due to inadequate resources. Incarceration of the parent also compromises the health of the child and increases the likelihood of the teen committing a crime (Western, 2010).

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate methods to prevent teen offenders from growing to become adult criminals. In this study a qualitative research design will be utilized. Questionnaires and interviews will be the tools for data collection With this study processes and procedures used to prevent recidivism will be reviewed and the most effective mechanisms will be evaluated and disseminated to prevent cases where juvenile delinquents become adult offenders in the prison system.

Significance

The study establishes provides convincing proof on the need to urgently address the soaring numbers of youth offenders growing to become adult offenders  Based on available statistics on the three jurisdictions where the issue is in place, the strategy put in place as a remedy to curb youth offenders from becoming adult criminals has suffered massive failure. The approach seems to worsen the case of recidivism hence necessitating policy makers once more to look into the subject thoroughly. As a measure to solve the issue of young criminals becoming adult criminals’ stakeholders have proposed a comprehensive policy change that refines the current rehabilitation programs and punishment sanctions. Such a proposal will yield results in the long run.

The study will help ensure that the most appropriate forms of punishment are administered so as to deter the youths from becoming adult offenders. The study will produce research evidence that will help in redesigning the current methods and mechanisms used to prevent young male offenders from becoming adult criminals. Also, the study will provide information that will assist policy makers to make informed decisions before ratifying policies. Finally, the research will uncover the underlying consequences of juvenile recidivism and this will help teenagers who continually come back into the system.

Annotated Background

Understanding the individual needs is important in preventing juvenile recidivism. Examining current programs and discipline will assist with those decisions. The current juvenile judicial officials and probationers in Dougherty County, Tift County, and Colquitt County, Georgia, are necessary for this study as they provide first-hand evaluation of the methods to prevent teen offenders from growing to become adult offenders. Therefore, the research study with the input of licensed offers will provide a way to decrease recidivism.

Abrams (2006) in his journal on listening to juvenile offenders examines various treatments advanced to juveniles in perspective regarding various correctional facilities. The author explains youths’ experiences in the prisons that could play a hand in the rise of recidivism. He also provides information crucial in enhancing effectiveness in institutional care. He also examines experiences in residential care that seem to influence young offenders to desist from crime.  The author tracked the occurrence of trauma and terrible distressing experiences for each of the youths within the juvenile facility.  The study indicates that understanding the vulnerability of youths to trauma is necessary in preventing cases of youth offense. The paper is relevant in my writing as it allows me to understand how residential care can play a part in treating juvenile offenders.

Bradshaw & Roseborough highlight a need for effective programs and Interventions to counter the rising juvenile recidivism. The research from the authors revealed that there is a need to broaden on the approaches used to handle the problem. One of the proposals is the use of restorative justice dialogue where both the offenders, victims and the community agree to repair the harms caused by the crimes. All the three parties play a role in the whole process to assist rehabilitating the young offender and offer systematic guidance throughout the process.  The researchers found that the parties contribute in enhancing the effectiveness of supports for teen offenders by providing appropriate programs. The article relates to the topic of the dissertation as it provides restorative justice which is a practical way of preventing the teens from falling back to delinquent behaviors. Following through on the programs designed by the parties plays a critical role in the curbing teen offenders from growing to become adult offenders. Also, the impact of mediation and conferencing on juvenile recidivism is critical.

Carney& Buttell (2003) performed a study to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of wraparound service model versus conventional methods. The wraparound model specializes in providing individualized care to youths with emotional problems. The care is provided by a team of family members, friends and other partners. In the conventional method, care is provided through the rehabilitation centers. The authors established various control groups so as to realize the patterns. The Study showed that the offenders who received wraparound services were less likely to engage in delinquent behavior as compared to those who received conventional services. It also indicated that the youth who received wraparound services were less likely to be absent from school, get expelled from school, run away from home, or get picked up by the police as frequently as the youth who received the juvenile conventional service.  However, the two methods do not differ in the formal criminal offenses.

Cottle et al., (2001) provides an analysis to highlight factors that had the ability to predict recidivism. The study reviewed different studies in addition to some factors such as demographic details, family, and social factors among others. The data obtained was then grouped and studied with the aim of condensing it into clear information that could uncover patterns and trends relating to recidivism. According to the authors, offense history proved to be the most dominant factor thereby enabling concentration on the issue to come up with a remedy. The study will use the patterns and trends established in the analysis to determine if they apply and relate to Georgia region. Identifying the trends and patterns will assist in curbing the risk of offense recurrence.

Howell (2003) offers a comprehensive framework and knowledge on how to tackle recidivism.  His book serves as an eye opener on the current studies and programs relating to understanding and controlling juvenile delinquency. It gears students among other individuals ready to venture into the career of juvenile justice by offering comprehensive framework and knowledge on how to tackle the matter. The author examines Policies, legal framework, and legislations with the aim of enlightening people on the most efficient way to address the issue. Besides that, the author analyzes past and present policies and provides advice accordingly on the strengths and weaknesses of such policies.

Petrosino, et al., (2002) conducted a randomized trial to establish the efficiency of Scared Straight and other programs over a period.  The authors issued a report which provided empirical evidence which aided in the determination of the appropriateness of the methods.  So as to achieve progress, there was a consensus among the authors on the need to alter the intervention programs besides mentoring and convincing the youth to desist from crime.

Petrosino, et al., (2003) established a program called Scared Straight which is geared towards visiting young convicts and talking to them about the need to avoid crime. Research conducted on the program seems to propose adoption of more efficient ways that would tackle the recidivism problem rather than harm the young adults. Despite being challenged, the program seems to receive considerate attention based on its implementation in some countries. The method is familiar in that different parties express the areas where it's implemented attribute it to being favorable but contrary opinions. This strategy is relevant to my dissertation as it will help explore the various alternative methods that exist to reduce recidivism.

According to Przybylski (2008) there is a need to craft well thought out programs and properly execute them as a way to reduce recidivism. The author proposes various useful programs such as educational and vocational training among others. Also, he highlights Risk-focused prevention programs that are useful in early stages before crime engagement begins.  Through the study the author thus aimed at bringing into appropriate light measures to combat recidivism. The study gears towards opening up consideration of the matter in different perspectives and dimension for satisfactory determination. The article offers a different approach to preventing recidivism i.e. crafting risk-focused prevention programs. Looking into various points of view is important in reducing recidivism.

Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework follows an analysis of psychodynamic theory by BF Skinner (2011). Skinner explains that if juveniles are influenced negatively during their childhood, then the probability of them graduating to become adult offenders is much higher. Also, he clarifies why youth offender participate in criminal behavior once they become adults. The framework thus provides the infrastructure for comprehending the factors that make youth offenders become adult criminals. Moreover, if any other fieldwork and petition were to arise, Skinner’s theory would aid into explaining why juvenile youths graduate from the juvenile system to join the adult prisons.

The findings of this study have the potential for social change (Howell, 2003). The study will expand the body of scholarly research on the issue of juvenile recidivism. The study will help in the development of effective vocational counseling programs in breaking the graduation of youth offenders to adult offenders in Dougherty County, Tift County, and Colquitt County, Georgia. The juveniles will thus lead better lives. The research will also contribute to a decreased number of juvenile delinquents growing to become adult offenders. These will be measured by the reduced number of people serving in the prison facility.

The research will contribute to a better understanding of the juvenile system, its influence in preventing youth offenders that are likely to graduate to adult criminals and enter the prison facility. This knowledge will help in policy formulation and planning at the national level. The study will provide knowledge useful for rehabilitation program developers and form a basis for making decisions by nurses who provide care to hospitalized delinquent teens. The research will also highlight the different elements that need to be integrated in the rehabilitation programs as form of punishment for the different juveniles and this will help impact on behavioral change better compared to the use of the absolute corporal punishment. Finally, the research will assist the justice system revisit and redesign the current programs and sentencing so that the punishment would fit the crime and there would be a swift punishment of the offense committed.  Such measures will help authenticate scientific evidence of issues leading to recidivism of juveniles and thus inform decision making (Przybylski, 2008).

Research Questions

• RQ1-Qualitative: What are the views of judges and other judiciary officials in preventing youth offenders from graduating to become adult offenders?
• RQ2-Qualitative: For youth offenders who grow to become adult offenders, what patterns and trends emerge during their incarceration?
• RQ3-Qualitative: What factors are significant in influencing juvenile delinquents to become adult offenders in Dougherty County, Tift County, and Colquitt County, Georgia?
• RQ4-Qualitative: What programs does Georgia have in existence? Does Georgia offer juveniles follow-up care after being released?

Nature of the Study

To address the problem of teen offenders growing to become adult criminals the study will utilize a qualitative research design.  The study will take sample populations from Dougherty County, Tift County, and Colquitt County, Georgia. The study will use surveys of the target population in conjunction with, interviews and questionnaire administered to the current Georgia Probation Officer, and Judges. Also, there will be face to face interviews with judges, probation officer, parents/guardians, and juveniles. The interview will be set up based on volunteered participant’s response. To secure the data obtained through the study, the interviewers and the interviewees will sign non-disclosure agreements and voluntary forms in the pre-interview phase. After the completion of the study and the analysis of data to produce useful information, the data shall be destroyed to prevent the possibility of breach of the confidentiality agreement. The researcher will explain the study and why it is necessary for Dougherty County, Tift County, and Colquitt County, Georgia.

Thus, the researcher will provide a summary of the factors that trigger youth offenders graduating from juvenile to adult offenders. The analysis of data obtained will provide findings that will be used to identify the most effective mechanisms of preventing juvenile delinquents from becoming adult offenders in Dougherty County, Tift County, and Colquitt County, Georgia. Possible Types and Sources of Data
The source of data will focus on interviews and questionnaires as the main sources of collecting data.  However, possible types of data may include.

Surveys to collect first-hand information from all involved parties.

Rate the levels of punishment, and recidivism amongst male offenders aged 13-16 years in Dougherty County, Tift County, and Colquitt County, Georgia.

Potential for Social Change

There is potential for social change based on the findings. However, the researcher's outlook on social change has not altered. The research will expand the body of scholarly research on the issue of juvenile recidivism. The study will help in the development of effective vocational counseling programs in breaking the graduation of youth offenders to adult offenders in Dougherty County, Tift County, and Colquitt County, Georgia. Juveniles will live a better lifestyle if the recidivism cycle is broken and being a recidivist was no longer an option for the young criminal, but a guaranteed sentence. The research will also contribute to a decreased number of juvenile delinquents growing to become adult offenders. These will be measured by the reduced number of people serving in the prison facility. The research will contribute to a better understanding of the juvenile system, its influence in preventing youth offenders that are likely to graduate to adult criminals and enter the prison facility. This knowledge will help in policy formulation and planning at the national level. The study will provide knowledge useful for rehabilitation program developers and form a basis for making decisions by nurses who provide care to hospitalized delinquent teens. The narration by Jackie Kundert aligned well with this study. Like Kundert, this case study found a gap that showed personal, but yet an urgent need for societal change. Furthermore, this research will highlight the different elements that need to be integrated into the rehabilitation programs. In conclusion, the research will revisit the standards of the juvenile justice system policies and their recommendation for sentencing. Such standards will authenticate scientific evidence of issues leading to recidivism of juveniles.

References

Abrams, L. S. (2006). Listening to juvenile offenders: Can residential treatment prevent recidivism? Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 23(1), 61-85.

Bradshaw, W., & Roseborough, D. (2005). Restorative justice dialogue: The impact of mediation and conferencing on juvenile recidivism. Fed. Probation, 69, 15.

Carcach, C. (1999). Recidivism and the juvenile offender, Paper presented at the Children and Crime: Victims and Offenders Conference convened by the Australian Institute of Criminology and held in Brisbane, 17-18 June 1999. Retrieved from http://www.aic.gov.au/media_library/conferences/children/carcach.pdf

Cottle, C. C., Lee, R. J., & Heilbrun, K. (2001). The prediction of criminal recidivism in juveniles a meta-analysis. Criminal justice and behavior, 28(3), 367-394.

Henning, K. (2013). Criminalizing normal adolescent behavior in communities of color: the role of prosecutors in juvenile justice reform. Cornell Law Review, 98(2), 282-462. 

Howell, J. C. (2003). Preventing and reducing juvenile delinquency: A comprehensive framework. Sage.

King, S., Barr, R. & Woolard, J. (2015). Cost-effective juvenile justice reform: lessons from the just beginning “Baby Elmo” teen parenting program. North Carolina Law Review, 93, 1381. 

Mears, D. P., Cochran, J. C., & Cullen, F. T. (2015). Incarceration heterogeneity and its implications for assessing the effectiveness of imprisonment on recidivism. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 26(7), 691-712.

Petrosino, A., Turpin-Petrosino, C., & Buehler, J. (2002). Scared Straight’and other juvenile awareness programs for preventing juvenile delinquency. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2.

Petrosino, A., Turpin-Petrosino, C., & Buehler, J. (2003). Scared Straight and other juvenile awareness programs for preventing juvenile delinquency: A systematic review of the randomized experimental evidence. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 589(1), 41-62.

Przybylski, R. (2008). What works: Effective recidivism reduction and risk-focused prevention programs. RKC Group, 38.

Theories Based on B. F. Skinner and Organizational Behavior Modification. (2011). M.E. Sharpe, Inc.

Western, B. & Wilderman, C. (2010). Incarceration in fragile families. The future of Children, 20(2), 157-177.