Abstract

Prior research examining criminogenic risk and need suggests that dynamic factors (i.e., criminogenic needs) are best suited for intervention and treatment as they are changeable over time. Thus, dynamic factors can be targeted to reduce the likelihood of recidivism among youth in the juvenile justice system. The assessment of needs is critical as it allows for the prediction of future delinquency and the ability to provide appropriate services/treatment for juvenile offenders. Several studies have shown that youth present with multiple needs and that these needs differ by gender. Therefore, the current study utilized a sample of adjudicated youth under community supervision from all counties in Florida from 2007 to 2015. Latent class analysis was employed to create need profiles based on dynamic factor domains from the Community Positive Achievement Change Tool (C-PACT). The relationships between the need classes and various justice-related factors and outcomes (i.e., race/ethnicity, age, risk level and static risk factors, change in dynamic needs, and recidivism) were also assessed. Furthermore, the analyses were conducted separately for males and females to examine for possible gender differences. Findings demonstrate that there are different multiple needs that present within males and females. With a few exceptions, the latent classes do not predict recidivism. However, the gender-specific subgroups do predict change in dynamic needs. Based on the findings, theoretical and practical implications are discussed that focus on the use of risk assessment instruments and rehabilitation in the juvenile justice system. Directions for future research are also discussed.

Notes

If this is your thesis or dissertation, and want to learn how to access it or for more information about readership statistics, contact us at STARS@ucf.edu

Graduation Date

2020

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Peck, Jennifer

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Community Innovation and Education

Department

Criminal Justice

Degree Program

Criminal Justice

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0008131; DP0023467

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0023467

Language

English

Release Date

August 2023

Length of Campus-only Access

3 years

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

Download

Share

COinS