NCJ Number
105005
Date Published
1984
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes data collected by the New York State Division of Parole on background characteristics, experiences, and recidivism rates of all juvenile offenders released to State parole from 1978 through 1983.
Abstract
The report explains provisions of the Juvenile Offender Law designed to ensure that young people who commit serious criminal acts are tried in the adult court, but incarcerated in secure Division for Youth facilities. Between 1978, when the Law was enacted, and December 1984, 464 youths had been convicted as juvenile offenders and after servinq time, released to parole. The overwhelming majority were male, belonged to an ethnic minority, and were from the New York City area. While over half had completed eighth grade, few had a positive attitude toward school, and 62 percent had no previous employment history. Drug abuse was found among 43 percent and alcohol abuse among 18 percent. Many had a prior record of contact with the juvenile courts. While serving their sentences, almost all juvenile offenders were involved in academic, vocational, or paid work programs. Of the 464 offenders, 65 percent could be considered supervision successes, 19 percent were marginal cases, and 16 percent were revoked because of a parole violation. The following categories of juvenile offenders were most successful: those with no prior record, those released by the Board of Parole, those supervised on the Parjo Project, and those who found gainful employment. Tables.