The Impact of a Juvenile Residential Treatment Center on Minority Offenders

Abstract

This study compares postrelease behavior of youth released from a residential treatment center to a similar group of youth discharged from traditional juvenile institutions. The hypotheses tested are (a) non-White youth are more likely to be reconvicted of a new offense and recommitted than are White youth regardless of the type of facility, (b) non-White youth in a residential treatment facility are less likely to be reconvicted of a new offense or recommitted than are non-White comparison youth, and (c) White youth in a residential treatment facility are less likely to be reconvicted of a new offense or recommitted than a comparison group of White youth. Regardless of race, the residential treatment group has a lower percentage of reconvictions and recommitments than the comparison group. Minority offenders in a residential treatment facility are less likely to be reconvicted or recommitted than minority offenders in the comparison group. These findings have implications for future correctional endeavors.