NCJ Number
101757
Date Published
1985
Length
68 pages
Annotation
This post hoc analysis study examined the effectiveness of family therapy in reducing recidivism among 118 juvenile delinquents who participated in Project New Leaf between 1975 and 1984.
Abstract
Data were gathered from records kept at the Humboldt County Probation Department (California). Of the total sample, 65 or 55.1 percent did commit a new crime within 18 months of program completion, as compared to a recidivism rate of about 64 percent for juvenile hall residents not in the program. Among program participants, recidivism rates were lower for those from intact families, females, older delinquents, those with younger siblings, and whites. Overall, results suggest that family therapy can be effective in preventing recidivism among incarcerated juveniles. By involving the family in treatment, positive family influences can be promoted and maintained. Tables and 35 references.