Explaining the Effects of Restitution on Offenders: Results From a National Experiment in Juvenile Courts (From Criminal Justice, Restitution, and Reconciliation, P 183-206, 1990, Burt Galaway and Joe Hudson, eds. -- See NCJ-126460)

• NCJ Number: 126476
• Author(s): L Ervin; A Schneider
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 24 pages
• Sale Source: Criminal Justice Press/Willow Tree Press
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study indicates that restitution and traditional juvenile programs both suppress recidivism, but the impact of restitution is greater than that of traditional dispositions by approximately 8 offenses per year per 100 youths.

Abstract

Tests were conducted to determine if the linkages between restitution and reduced recidivism could be explained by deterrence theory, self-image theory, or social integration theory. None of the theories were supported by the data. Only the self-image variable "lawbreaker" was related in the expected way to recidivism. When the models were examined separately within the two treatment groups, however, interaction effects were observed. Apparently, restitution experiences alter recidivism predictors. Further analysis indicates that one of the most important characteristics of restitution programs is their requirement that youth exhibit long-term, tangible, positive action that results in successful program completion. Whereas restitution positively rewards juveniles for actions taken, traditional programs offer no such ongoing incentives. 4 tables and 8 figures