Truancy, Academic Achievement, and Crime: Evidence from a Truancy Reduction Program

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Truancy, or skipping school without a valid excuse, is independently related to both poor academic achievement and crime. Yet, less is known about the inter-connectedness between truancy, academic achievement and crime. Social bond theory suggests that a young persons’ commitment and bond to school can act as a mechanism of controlling criminal behavior. Utilizing data from the Ability School Engagement Program (ASEP) trial, a third-party policing intervention tested under randomized field-trial conditions, we use the framework of Hirschi’s social bond theory to understand the relationship between truancy, academic achievement, and crime. Previous research on ASEP has shown its ability to reduce the likelihood of crime among participants. The current study investigates whether 1) ASEP increased academic achievement and 2) whether academic achievement mediates the relationship between ASEP and crime. Policy implications are discussed.

Authors

• Stephanie Cardwell, University of Texas at San Antonio

• Michele Meitl, Texas Christian University

• Lorraine Mazerolle, University of Queensland

• Sarah Bennett, University of Queensland

• Mitchell Northcote, University of Queensland