NCJ Number
80732
Date Published
1980
Length
102 pages
Annotation
The data in this report, reflecting a synthesis of reports from the individual courts, provide a reasonable estimate of the statewide incidence involving juveniles processed through the courts in South Carolina for fiscal year 1978. Trends apparent over a 3-year period (1976-78) are reported.
Abstract
Data are given on the number of juveniles processed by source; by age, race, and sex; by county; and by reason for referral. Information on recidivism is included. Data indicate that juvenile referrals to the court statewide have maintained about the same frequency over a 3-year period (1976-78); that is, about 17,000 juveniles were referred each year or about 3.4 percent of the juvenile population aged 7-16 in the State. Law enforcement agencies contributed a somewhat heavier portion of these referrals than in 1976-77. The trend toward the prevalence of youth in the older age group continues, with a further increase in the age 16 group and in the combined 15- and 16-year olds. A heightened number of white males and a decrease in black males being processed through the courts over the 3 years has also been recorded. Also for the 3-year period, there has been a 3-percent decrease in the proportion of status offenses, a 2-percent decrease in the proportion of serious offenses, and about a 6-percent decrease in the recidivism rate. County reports are appended; tables are provided.