Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Social Work

Advisor

Tina F. Jaeckle

Abstract

Juvenile crime and recidivism have devastated Baltimore City, Maryland, especially in the quality of life and social bond, producing fear in the city’s communities. The current situation is increasing the need to promote a better understanding of juvenile recidivism and delinquency of the risk factors causing juveniles to re-offend. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to add to the knowledge base on juvenile recidivism risk factors from the perspectives of juvenile justice professionals. Hirschi’s social bond theory was used to explore juvenile justice professionals’ experiences and perspectives on recidivism risk factors. Research questions focused on the perceptions of juvenile justice professionals on the risk factors that may lead juveniles to recidivate, and how juvenile justice professionals work to mitigate the risk factors that lead juveniles to re-offend. Ten juvenile justice professionals who had at least two years of experience and currently working with juvenile delinquents responded to semi-structured and open-ended questions. After coding and categorizing the collected data, two primary themes emerged: a) Participants perceived that risk factors related to lack of parental bonds, social bonds, school and community interactions, and mental health history have a significant effect on juvenile recidivism and delinquency. b) Specialized rehabilitation programs are available, but they may need to be modified to target individual needs. Implications for positive social change include recommendations to Maryland state juvenile agencies and policymakers to implement, modify, and improve services to reduce recidivism for delinquent juveniles.

Download

Included in

Social Work Commons

Share

 
COinS