Honors Program Theses

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Open Access Honors Program Thesis

First Advisor

Gayle Rhineberger

Keywords

Juvenile justice, Administration of; Criminal justice personnel--Attitudes; Recidivism;

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between juvenile justice personnel and the predictive factors of juvenile recidivism. With rising juvenile crime rates across the country, investigation into the causes of juvenile recidivism has also risen. However, not much research has been dedicated to the way juvenile justice personnel view juvenile recidivism. This study surveyed a sample of six juvenile justice personnel including judges, a lawyer, a probation officer, and a detention officer. The survey explored the types of crimes juveniles are perceived to be committing, the frequency of interactions with repeat offenders juvenile justice personnel are having in their respective professions, and the factors they perceive to be the most predictive of juvenile recidivism. Findings indicate that the juvenile justice personnel believe substance use/abuse, mental health disorders, a history of sexual abuse, and significant family problems are the most influential factors in recidivism. These perceptions generally align with empirical research, though differences were noted in the perceived importance of gender and prior arrests. The study highlights the need for a larger, more representative sample in future research to better understand juvenile recidivism and inform effective interventions within the juvenile justice system.

Year of Submission

2025

Department

Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology

University Honors Designation

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the designation University Honors

Date Original

2025

Object Description

1 PDF file (21 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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