The Roles of Youths’ Background Characteristics and Risk Factors on Juvenile Misconduct and Recidivism

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Prior research has indicated strong evidence that various risk factors can increase the likelihood of delinquent and criminal behavior in later adolescence and early adulthood. Additionally, it has been found that these factors have different impacts on juveniles based upon their sex and race/ethnicity. A gap in the current research is looking at these relationships among serious institutionalized youth and determining if they hold or if there are differences in those who are incarcerated. The current study fills this gap by examining data from the Texas Department of Juvenile Justice (TJJD) in order to determine the relationship between youths’ family backgrounds, mental health, and substance use on institutional misconduct and later recidivism. The results from this study will inform future policy, delinquency prevention, and intervention efforts through identifying key risk factors to target.   

Authors

• Jacklyn Rose Perez, University of North Texas

• Jessica Craig, University of North Texas