Predictors of recidivism to a juvenile assessment center

We report the results of a study of the predictors of recidivism to a Juvenile Assessment Center in Hillsborough County, Florida, involving over 2,000 youths processed at the center during its first 8 months of operation. Consistent with previous research, younger aged youths, youths with abuse or neglect histories, with previous arrests for property, violence, or drug offenses, with potential vocational, leisure-recreation, and family problems, or who were arrested on property felony charges were likely to recidivate. The program activity and policy implications of these results are discussed.