NCJ Number
123271
Journal
Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Dated: (May 1990) Pages: 190-209
Date Published
1990
Length
20 pages
Annotation
To determine whether certain status characteristics increase the likelihood of referral to a treatment program, this study used a logit analysis on a sample of adolescents referred for alcohol and other drug abuse treatment, and a randomly selected comparison group.
Abstract
Results indicate that two status characteristics increase the number of referrals: labeling of the adolescent based on prior involvement in the social service delivery system and labeling of the adolescent based on a lower level of involvement in conventional groups. The probability of referral was not affected by gender directly, but the effect of level of involvement in conventional groups on referral likelihood did depend on gender. Controlling for level of substance use, boys who were more involved in conventional groups had a greater likelihood of being referred. This article discusses the implications for labeling theory and a policy of nonintervention for the commission of minor delinquencies. 3 tables, 5 notes, 28 references. (Author abstract modified)