International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology

Glaser, Brian A.

doi: 10.1177/0306624X14545773pmid: 25091273

Asscher, Jessica J.; Wissink, Inge B.; Deković, Maja; Prinzie, Peter; Stams, Geert Jan J. M.

doi: 10.1177/0306624X13491389pmid: 23780846

The aim of this study was to determine whether two risk factors that are frequently selected as targets for prevention and intervention purposes—involvement with deviant peers and parent–adolescent relationship quality—are associated with delinquent behavior in the same way in a juvenile general population sample (n = 88) as in a juvenile offender sample (n = 85). Information on delinquency and the quality of parent–adolescent relationship was obtained from adolescents and parents. The results of path analyses showed that relations between poor parent–adolescent relationship quality, involvement with deviant peers, and delinquency depended on whose point of view is used (adolescent or parent) and which sample is used (general population or delinquent sample). These findings indicate that caution is warranted when theories based on research with community samples are used for development of intervention programs for juvenile delinquents.

Lambie, Ian; Randell, Isabel; McDowell, Heather

doi: 10.1177/0306624X13492657pmid: 23832794

The objective of this article is to consider and discuss existing research and theory concerning copycat problem behaviors and copycat offending and how this may be applicable to populations of firesetting children and adolescents. The primary databases used to search for literature were PsychInfo, Medline, and Eric. Google Scholar was used as an additional Internet search engine. While the primary focus was on literature published since 1990, earlier literature considered to be important was also included. Qualitative and quantitative studies suggest that consumption of violent media affects aggressive behaviors and supports the existence of a copycat effect within some offending populations. Existing literature suggests that processes such as desensitization, observational learning, priming, and alteration of scripts are involved in copycat behaviors and are mediated by individual, environmental, and media factors. While literature concerning firesetters has largely overlooked the possibility of a copycat effect, given their young age, and the often antisocial nature and individual and environmental problems associated with firesetters, they may be a population particularly vulnerable to such an effect. There is a need for consideration of the potential role of the media in copycat behaviors and for care to be taken in the way that the media reports events.

Rocque, Michael; Welsh, Brandon C.; Greenwood, Peter W.; King, Erica

doi: 10.1177/0306624X13490661pmid: 23760665

US juvenile justice is at the forefront of experimentation with the evidence-based paradigm, whereby the best available research is utilized to help inform more rational and effective practice. Increasingly, state governments are playing a major role in this endeavor. Maine is one of these states and is the focus of this article. Using a case-study design, we set out to develop a fuller understanding of the events and processes that have contributed to the development, implementation, and sustainment of evidence-based practice in juvenile justice in the state. Four major themes emerged. First, Maine has benefited from strong and lasting leadership within its corrections department. These leaders paved the way for the implementation and sustainment of programs, including finding innovative ways to use existing resources. Second, the adoption of the Risk–Need–Responsivity model was important in laying the groundwork for the use of evidence-based programming. Third, collaborations within and among state agencies and public and private groups were essential. Finally, buy-in and support from multiple stakeholders was and continues to be essential to Maine’s work. Ongoing problems remain with respect to ensuring agencies prioritize fidelity to the model and locating increasingly scarce funding. Implications for other states are discussed.

Jeong, Seokjin; Lee, Byung Hyun; Martin, Julie H.

doi: 10.1177/0306624X13492403pmid: 23839225

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a mental health intervention for youthful offenders, specifically the Special Needs Diversionary Program (SNDP) by comparing the treatment group with the control group. The sample consisted of 328 mentally ill youths: 168 youths participated in the SNDP and 160 youths in other court-ordered programs. To examine the empirical relationships among the covariates, the current study uses a two-step approach: (a) logistic regression; and (b) Cox Proportional-Hazards Regression. The findings reveal that participation in the SNDP was strongly associated with reduced recidivism compared with nonparticipation in the SNDP among mentally ill youthful offenders throughout the 12-month follow-up. Study limitations and implications for future research are discussed.

Gonzalez, Rose; Mandracchia, Jon T.; Nicholson, Bonnie; Dahlen, Eric

doi: 10.1177/0306624X13487523pmid: 23640809

Crime-promoting cognitions and attitudes, globally labeled as criminogenic thinking, are shown to perpetuate maladaptive and antisocial behavior in criminals and nonoffenders. In the nonoffender population, these thinking patterns may not lead to illegal behavior, but can result in irresponsible or maladaptive behavioral consequences. Theories suggest that early childhood parent–child interactions may be partly responsible for the development of criminogenic thinking. While the relationship between parenting and antisocial behavior is well documented, the connection between parenting and the development of criminogenic thinking styles has not yet been explored. The current study examined the nature of the relationship between exposure to parenting behaviors and subsequent criminogenic thoughts in a nonoffender, college population. The sample included 119 undergraduates. Results indicate that parenting may affect general criminogenic thinking as well as specific types of criminogenic thinking styles. Relevance and importance of the findings with regard to clinical work and parenting are also discussed.

Pechorro, Pedro; Gonçalves, Rui Abrunhosa; Marôco, João; Nunes, Cristina; Jesus, Saul Neves

doi: 10.1177/0306624X13489864pmid: 23723359

The aim of this study was to analyze the role of psychopathic traits in the age of crime onset of female juvenile delinquents. Using a sample of 132 young females from the Juvenile Detention Centers of the Portuguese Ministry of Justice and from schools in the Lisbon region, a group of early crime onset (n = 44), a group of late crime onset (n = 44), and a nondelinquent school group (n = 44) were formed. Results showed that early crime onset participants score higher on psychopathy measures, self-reported delinquency, and crime seriousness than late crime onset participants and school participants. Psychopathic-traits scores were significantly associated with age of crime onset, age at first trouble with the law, and frequency and seriousness of crime.