The role of juvenile corrections in the lives of gang-involved youths

• In Event: The Role of the Juvenile Justice System in Youth Outcomes

Abstract

Since the 1920s, scholars have studied gangs in America as a large-city phenomenon. The current study seeks to address a significant gap in the field of gang studies by focusing on gangs and gang activity in rural areas. Based on in-depth interviews with active youth gang members and gang associates in the three rural counties of California’s Central Valley, the study examines the critical role of juvenile corrections in the lives of gang-involved youths. In particular, the study addresses the effectiveness of repeated probation and confinement. While the study employs the qualitative method to guide sampling, data collection, and analytical processes, quantitative data collected from local criminal justice agencies provide valuable background information about the study samples. Research findings suggest that repeated technical probation violations resulted in a high frequency of confinement. At the same time, this largely failed to achieve its intended rehabilitation goals and opened a revolving door to further confinements. The treatment youths received while in juvenile halls significantly affected their rehabilitation. It should be noted that the educational opportunities offered by juvenile halls provided a strong incentive for change among gang-involved youths.

Author

• Huan Gao, California State University, Stanislaus