| Juvenile delinquency is a serious problem for society. To prevent future criminal behavior, juvenile delinquents are placed in judicial institutions, whose treatment is intended to keep them from continuing their criminal careers after release. If recidivism could be predicted, treatment effect might be maximized. Although prediction of recidivism might be based on the specific characteristics that distinguish juvenile delinquents who desist from criminal behavior from those who reoffend, little is known about these specific characteristics. Apart from looking at general recidivism, its also important to consider the seriousness of recidivism, as this is also an indicator of treatment effect. Research questions: 1. What are the characteristics of serious juvenile delinquents in The Netherlands? Should they be considered as one group or do they consist of subgroups with different characteristics? 2. Which risk factors are associated with both general recidivism and seriousness of recidivism? 3. Which risk factors are associated with recidivism in different subgroups of serious juvenile delinquents? |
