Turning Points to Desistance for Today's Youth

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

Sampson and Laub (2005) emphasize the significance of turning points (such as getting married or joining the military) in people’s lives that lead them to desistance; however, we know less about possible turning points if offenders desist during adolescence. The three studies in this panel discuss several alternative mechanisms that may contribute to desistance or continued involvement/lack of desistance. First, Kang discusses the importance of cohabitation to today’s delinquent adolescents and the timing and sequencing to their transition to adulthood. Second, Wiley & Slocum suggest the importance of parent, sibling, and other relative incarceration to continued involvement. Finally, Meyer argues the non-importance of probation violations to desistance, in light of other factors that youth self-identify as more influential. Together, these studies shed light on the possibility that youth today desist through different mechanisms than in the past. This panel was organized by the Division of Developmental and Life Course Criminology.

Sub Unit

• Area III. Theoretical Explanations of Crime and Criminal Behavior / 4. Developmental and Life Course Perspectives

Division of Special Interest

• Divisions of Special Interest / Division of Developmental/Life-Course Criminology

Individual Presentations

• The Changing Transition to Adulthood for Contemporary Delinquent Adolescents - Timothy Kang, University of Toronto

• All in the Family? Assessing Trauma Associated with Family Members’ Justice System Involvement - Stephanie Ann Wiley, University of Missouri - St. Louis; Lee Ann Slocum, University of Missouri - St. Louis

• How I Turned Out: Juvenile Probationers’ Views on Getting into and Out of the System - Kimberly S Meyer, George Mason University

Chair

• Kimberly S Meyer, George Mason University