In Between Adolescence and Adulthood

Abstract

This research examines the recidivism outcomes of 2,436 serious, violent, and chronic youth released from a juvenile correctional system. This group of state delinquents was followed for 5 years after their release to parole as they made the transition to young adulthood. Results of the analysis revealed that 85% of state delinquents were rearrested at least once in the follow-up period, and nearly 80% were rearrested for a felony. Generally, males, those younger at first contact with the juvenile justice system, those with a greater number of felony adjudications, gang members, institutional dangers, those in poverty, and those with mental health issues were significantly more likely to recidivate. The analyses indicate that the factors that would explain recidivism for male state delinquents may differ for female state delinquents. This article concludes with a discussion of policy implications specific to this highly select but disproportionately problematic group of delinquent offenders.