Sentence Completion and Recidivism among Juveniles Referred to Teen Courts

Abstract

This study focuses on sentence completion and recidivism of juveniles referred to teen courts for disposition by their peers as an alternative to judicial sentencing. More than 70 percent of the referrals completed their sentences, and just less than a third recidivated over a 1-year follow-up. In multivariate models, sentence completion was significantly less likely among persons sentenced to community service, and recidivism was significantly higher among juveniles with prior records and those who were sentenced to curfews. The findings imply the need for teen courts to be guided by sound program development efforts that are based on research so that they may circumvent the panacea phenomenon.

Gender differences in effects of teen courts on delinquency: A theory-guided evaluation

“…Some researchers have reported on TC completion and recidivism rates. Completion rates between 71 percent and 92 percent and recidivism rates between 10 percent and 32 percent have been reported (Harrison, Maupin, & Mays, 2001;Hissong, 1991;Minor, Wells, Soderstrom, Bingham, & Williamson, 1999;Rasmussen, 2004;Seyfrit, Reichel, & Stutts, 1987). Unfortunately, because prior evaluations have generally used less than optimal research designs and varying definitions of recidivism with vague descriptions of the follow-up period, it is difficult to determine the actual effectiveness of TCs for reducing subsequent crime.…”

An experimental evaluation of teen courts

“…Many TC studies have not used comparison groups, thus limiting their ability to assess the program's effectiveness (e.g., Forgays et al 2004;Garrison 2001;Harrison et al 2000;Minor et al 1999). Minor et al (1999) examined TC respondents over three different time periods and found a recidivism rate of 31.1%.…”

“…Minor et al (1999) examined TC respondents over three different time periods and found a recidivism rate of 31.1%. Unfortunately, without a comparison group, it is not possible to know whether TC reduced, did not effect, or aggravated recidivism as compared with alternative sanctioning programs.…”

The Need for Theory in Assessing Peer Courts

“…There are different ways peer courts receive their referrals; for example, some are preadjudicatory, whereas others are postadjudicatory. In addition, some peer courts are adversarial, whereas others are not (Minor, Wells, Soderstrom, Bingham, & Williamson, 1999).…”