Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Dr. Gregory Koehle

Abstract

The high juvenile delinquency recidivism rate is a problem in Fulton County Georgia, that continues to be of significant concern. The juvenile justice system has gained acceptance as a means of addressing and reducing the high recidivism rates of juvenile offenders. However, there is a lack of research regarding African American male adults and juvenile justice probationers’ perceptions of the factors affecting recidivism. This qualitative study explored and examined the phenomenon and factors that contribute to juvenile recidivism through the perceptions of African American male adults who were previously juvenile delinquents, and current juvenile probation officers. Ecological systems theory was used as the theoretical foundation for guiding this research. The results from this qualitative study showed that the current probation guidelines in the juvenile system in Fulton County, Georgia, are not successful. Results indicated that reliable factors for juvenile delinquency recidivism include (a) a lack of juvenile and parent accountability; (b) environment; (c) peers; and (d) family dynamics. The juvenile justice system, human services professionals, leaders in the field, and policymakers could use findings from the study to advocate for the need to develop programs and policies that will reduce juvenile delinquency recidivism.

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