NCJ Number
176628
Journal
American Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: Fall 1994 Pages: 61-77
Date Published
1994
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examines the perceptions of juvenile offenders who participated in Kentucky's Law-Related Education (LRE) diversion program.
Abstract
Kentucky's LRE diversion program is premised on the notion that juveniles who possess a realistic understanding of, and respect for, the law will be less likely to violate it. As a corollary to this premise, the program is meant to teach social- perceptions of others and self-perceptions that are inconsistent with delinquent conduct. This study examined the social- perceptions and self-perceptions of juveniles diverted into LRE programming. A quasi-experimental, pretest to posttest, between- groups design was used in this research. Pretest data on social- perceptions and self-perceptions were obtained from all offenders (n=57) diverted into LRE between late 1992 and early 1993. Posttest data were obtained from only 33 of these persons. The pretest and posttest data were obtained on juveniles' perceptions of themselves, their parents, their neighbors, their best friends, judges, teachers, and the police. Analyses of pretest and posttest changes and comparisons of the perceptions displayed by LRE participants with those displayed by a comparable group of high school students revealed some favorable outcomes associated with LRE participation. The recidivism of program participants over a 1-year follow-up period was also low. The study concludes that LRE may be a viable diversionary option in juvenile justice. The limitations and implications of the study are discussed. 3 tables, an appended semantic differential instrument, and 57 references