Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Dr. Ian B. Cole

Abstract

Studies have shown that U.S. juvenile recidivism rates range from 50% to 80%, and many risk factors have been associated with adolescent delinquency and recidivism. The purpose of this cross-sectional correlational study was to evaluate the Future Generation mentoring program's effectiveness by examining the relationships between race and gender (independent variables) and youth progress (dependent variable). The Future Generation mentoring program is a pseudonym for the actual program to help protect confidentiality and anonymity of the organization. Juvenile progress was measured by how well a youth met their goals. Youth progress was classified as successful, progressing, or unsuccessful in relation to a juvenile's status. Juveniles who were successful either completed the program or completed at least 75% of their program goals. Juveniles who were progressing made progress towards their goals, but did not complete at least 75% of their goals. Juveniles who received an unsuccessful status did not show adequate progress, those youth did not uphold their responsibility to stay out of trouble. The theoretical framework was rational choice theory. Secondary data were collected from a sample of 49 juveniles enrolled in the Future Generation program. Results of chi-square analyses showed that race was significantly associated with youth progress in the Future Generation mentoring program. No significant association was found between gender and youth progress. Findings may be used to strengthen adolescent deterrence programs and educate stakeholders regarding trends in juvenile delinquency and recidivism rates.

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