Factors related to recidivism for youthful offenders

Little is known about youth who were previously placed in a detention facility and what factors predict a subsequent recidivism to placement. This study of a two-county juvenile offender population (one urban and one rural) investigates what demographic, educational, mental health, substance dependence, and court-related variables predict recidivism to detention placement. Findings from logis-tic regression analysis indicate that seven variables significantly predict juvenile offenders ’ recidivism placement, some expected and some unexpected. Predic-tors that made recidivism more likely include youth with a previous conduct dis-order diagnosis, a self-reported previous suicide attempt, age, and number of court offenses. Conversely, predictors that made recidivism less likely include race (Caucasian), a previous attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis, and a misdemeanor conviction. These findings indicate that the use of a commu-nity-based suicide and mental health screening and referral approach may help to identify and assist these high-risk youth in receiving needed services prior t