This article examines the relationship between suspected risk factors, success in a residential treatment program, and later adult offending by 81 male delinquent youths.
This study developed and used a placement risk screen that assessed amenability to treatment in a residential treatment program and later risk for adult criminality. Risk factors commonly associated with juvenile recidivism include age at first adjudication, referral/arrest history, school problems, substance abuse, familial disorganization, placement history and negative peer relationships. Results suggest that success in residential placement can reduce future offending, but that youth should first be screened for amenability to the program so scarce resources can be conserved. Juveniles displaying chronic and serious delinquency patterns can be treated successfully when placed earlier in their delinquency careers; as the severity of delinquency increases so does the resistance to rehabilitation and the cost of resources increases as well. Tables, references, notes