Does Completion of Juvenile Drug Court Deter Adult Criminality?

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Juvenile Drug Court: Comparisons to Traditional Probation

“…Several meta-analyses within the past decade indicate that JDCs are less effective than their adult counterparts at reducing recidivism (Mitchell, Wilson, Eggers, & MacKenzie, 2012;Shaffer, 2006;Wilson, Mitchell, & MacKenzie, 2006). Another study examining the adult criminality of former JDC participants indicated that completion of the JDC did not reduce the likelihood of a misdemeanor conviction in adulthood (Carter & Barker, 2011). Furthermore, a quasi-experimental study of nine JDCs across the country revealed no significant reduction in recidivism for JDC participants (Sullivan, Blair, Latessa, & Sullivan, 2014).…”

Sustained Outcomes? an Exploratory Study of Juvenile Drug Courts and Long‐Term Recidivism

“…While most studies suggest that girls fare better in JDC and are less likely to recidivate during or after the program (Carter & Barker, 2011;Carey et al, 2006;Gilmore et al, 2005;Latessa et al, 2002;Hickert et al, 2010;Polakowshi et al, 2008;Rodriguez & Webb, 2004;Sloan et al, 2014;Sullivan et al, 2014;Thompson, 2004), we do not know if these effects are sustained well into young adulthood. The current study aims to examine the long-term effects of JDC on adulthood recidivism, and whether these outcomes differ by gender.…”

“…Most studies with mixed gender samples found that girls are less likely to be terminated from a juvenile drug court program Polakowski, Harley, & Bates, 2008) and have lower recidivism rates than boys (Carter & Barker, 2011;Carey et al, 2006;Gilmore, Rodriguez, & Webb, 2005;Latessa et al, 2002;Polakowski et al, 2008;Hickert et al, 2010;Rodriguez & Webb, 2004;Sloan et al, 2014;Sullivan et al, 2014;Thompson, 2004). Polakowski and colleagues (2008) found that boys were eight times more likely than girls to be terminated from drug court and were four times more likely to receive a new referral while still in the program.…”

“…Other studies have attempted to evaluate the impact of JDCs using multi‐year follow up periods. Carter and Barker () used a sample of 79 JDC participants to examine recidivism rates over a five‐year period. Study findings revealed that graduation from drug court reduced the likelihood of committing a felony as an adult, but there was no difference between graduates and non‐graduates regarding adult misdemeanors (Carter & Barker, ).…”

“…Carter and Barker () used a sample of 79 JDC participants to examine recidivism rates over a five‐year period. Study findings revealed that graduation from drug court reduced the likelihood of committing a felony as an adult, but there was no difference between graduates and non‐graduates regarding adult misdemeanors (Carter & Barker, ). Another study used a slightly shorter follow up period (4.5 years) and found no statistically significant difference in recidivism outcomes between JDC participants and comparison group juveniles (Cook, Watson, & Stageberg, ).…”