Date of Conferral

1-5-2026

Date of Award

January 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

John Walker

Abstract

Juvenile recidivism persists in the U.S. justice system, highlighting the need for effective reentry programs. However, limited research exists on juvenile justice professionals’ perceptions of program success. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore these professionals’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of juvenile reentry programs in reducing recidivism. Guided by Bandura’s social learning theory, the study examined how observation and modeling influence youth behavior during reentry. The research questions focused on professionals’ perceptions of program effectiveness and how these perceptions impact recidivism reduction efforts. A qualitative phenomenological design involved semi-structured interviews with 13 juvenile justice professionals in the southwest region of the United States. Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews, supported by NVivo, revealed seven themes: factors contributing to recidivism, role of the family, collaboration, effectiveness, challenges, implementation, and the future of reentry. Key findings indicate professionals perceive family involvement, stakeholder collaboration, and relationship-driven, holistic approaches to be crucial for success. However, conclusions highlight significant challenges, including funding shortages, staffing issues, poor interagency coordination, and negative environmental factors hindering program effectiveness. Recommendations include enhancing family support, improving collaboration, and addressing systemic barriers. This study’s implications for positive social change involve informing the development of integrated, resource-rich reentry strategies and policies that support professionals, empower families, and equip youth for successful reintegration, thereby reducing recidivism.

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