Linking risk factors and protective factors with rates of recidivism in the Juvenile Counseling & Assessment Program (JCAP)

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to identify risk factors that lead to recidivism and protective factors that buffer recidivism. Specifically, it will examine intake information for youth involved in the Juvenile Counseling and Assessment Project (JCAP) in hopes of identifying features that contribute to reoffending. To do this, two studies were conducted. In the first exploratory study, risk factors were measured and compared to rates of recidivism for a sample of male juvenile offenders. In Study Two, protective factors were examined for males and females in JCAP and then compared to rates of recidivism. In Study One data analysis confirmed the endorsement of several risk factors predicting future recidivism. Results of Study Two indicated several protective factors that predict avoidance from future recidivism in the JCAP population. Differences between risk and protective factors for male and female JCAP clients in this sample were also evaluated.