The Influence of Criminogenic and Non-Criminogenic Factors on Recidivism Rates of Juvenile Offenders

• In Event: Poster Session I

Abstract

The current study examines the effect of criminogenic risk scores and socio-demographic factors (gender, race, and concentrated neighborhood disadvantage) on time to recidivism. The Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) was used to measure criminogenic risk scores. Juvenile recidivism, as measured by a new court petition, was observed for up to 2,339 days. Survival analyses revealed that males and Black juveniles are a greatest risk for recidivism as compared to females and White juveniles. Unlike white male offenders, low risk Black male offenders had risk levels that were very close to that of high risk Black males. There were no significant differences in overall risk scores of Black and White offenders, but Black males had the highest rate of failure as compared to White males. Subsequently, we argue that there are non-criminogenic risk factors not captured in current assessments that increase recidivism rates of Black males. These results also suggest criminogenic risk score is a stronger predictor of recidivism for White males as compared to Black males. Future research is needed to evaluate court processes, policies, procedures and other non-criminogenic factors that may potentially exacerbate the risk of recidivism for Black male.

Authors

• Christina A Campbell, University of Cincinnati

• Natasha Moses, University of Cincinnati

• Eyitayo Onifade, Florida A & M University