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Factors associated with juvenile detention truancy
Adolescence
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Juvenile truancy from treatment facilities is influenced by offense history and sex. Males with prior truancy face higher elopement risks, while females exhibit complex autonomy issues contributing to repeat offenses.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Developmental Psychology
- Juvenile Justice
Background:
- Truancy is a significant issue in juvenile justice systems.
- Understanding factors predicting truancy from treatment facilities is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing truancy among youth in a juvenile court treatment facility.
- To compare truancy rates based on offense history, background, and personality variables.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 124 youth born in 1962 placed in a juvenile court treatment facility were analyzed.
- Data collected included number of truancies, background information, and personality variables.
Main Results:
- Males with prior truancy adjudications had a 65% probability of elopement, versus 34% for other offenses.
- Females adjudicated for truancy had a 62% probability of truancy in the facility.
- Females who eloped and were returned had over an 80% probability of subsequent truancy.
Conclusions:
- Prior truancy adjudication significantly increases elopement risk for males.
- Female truancy is linked to autonomy conflicts, with high recidivism after return.
- Personality differences exist between male and female truants, impacting intervention strategies.