Individual and Familial Variables for Predicting Successful Completion of a Juvenile Justice Diversion Program

Abstract

A key variable in the success of a juvenile justice diversion program (i.e., avoiding reoffending) is completing the program. Little is known about which variables predict successful completion. The present study examined demographics; behavioral histories; current behaviors; and family, school, and social issues among participants drawn from a metropolitan Detroit diversion program. Logistic regression analyses identified variables predictive of program completion. Key predictors included race, aggressive behavior, previous counseling or treatment, poor academic performance, diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, and parental reports of not contributing to household chores. Recommendations for modifying diversion programs based on these findings are offered.Juvenile diversion programs are predicated on the belief that it is better for the long-term development of youth for them to avoid engagement with correctional institutions. The claim is proffered that the juvenile justice system actually creates more problems than it resolves (Lundman, 1993). The ineffectiveness of

Predicting Attrition and Engagement in the Treatment of Young Offenders

“…Loeb et al (2015) identified several familial factors associated with treatment attrition, such as maternal mental health problems or frequent moves of housing during childhood, whereas Konecky et al (2016) did not find any effect of familial risk on treatment completion. Similar to adult offenders, static risk factors like a history of antisocial behavior and the number of prior arrests were consistently associated with treatment attrition in juvenile offenders (Konecky et al, 2016; Loeb et al, 2015; Nowakowski & Mattern, 2014). Dynamic risk factors were also found to be relevant, for example, ongoing violent behavior, sexual maladjustment, or antisocial orientation (Edwards et al, 2005; Hunter & Figueredo, 1999; Konecky et al, 2016).…”

“…Premature treatment termination is consistently linked to negative consequences. For instance, studies showed higher recidivism rates for treatment noncompleters than for completers (e.g., Edwards et al, 2005; Loeb, Waung, & Sheeran, 2015; Olver, Stockdale, & Wormith, 2011; Seabloom, Seabloom, Seabloom, Barron, & Hendrickson, 2003; Wormith & Olver, 2002). It has also repeatedly been found that noncompleters are even more likely to reoffend than untreated controls (Hanson & Bussière, 1998; McMurran & Theodosi, 2007; Olver & Wong, 2009).…”

“…Less is known about treatment attrition in adolescent offenders, although predictors of dropout are likely to differ from those found for adults. Juveniles are usually more reliant on their family for guidance and support than adults; therefore, parental issues such as divorce, psychiatric disorders, or interfamilial violence may be relevant risk factors in adolescents but not in adult offenders (Loeb et al, 2015). Also, less maturity that is visible in youth-related substance abuse or other disruptive behavior may be linked to problematic behavior in the therapeutic setting and interfere with treatment completion.…”

“…Dynamic risk factors were also found to be relevant, for example, ongoing violent behavior, sexual maladjustment, or antisocial orientation (Edwards et al, 2005; Hunter & Figueredo, 1999; Konecky et al, 2016). In addition, juveniles dropping out from treatment had more school problems than completers; they showed, for example, more truancy and bullying or lower academic performance (Edwards et al, 2005; Loeb et al, 2015; Nowakowski & Mattern, 2014). Only a few studies examined the link between personality factors and treatment attrition.…”

Factors Associated With Successful Completion of a Community-Based, Postarrest Juvenile Diversion Program and Subsequent Rearrest

“…However, rates of reoffending were greater among youth who did not successfully complete the diversion programming than among youth who initially received probation (Wilson & Hoge, 2013a). Preliminary research has suggested links between program completion and several individual and family factors (Loeb, Waung, & Sheeran, 2015). For example, race (i.e., African American) and history of aggressive behaviors have previously been linked to program drop out, as have history of adoption, academic difficulties, and behavioral issues in the home (Loeb et al, 2015).…”