Recidivism of African American Males Requiring Mental Health Supports as a Function of Placement, Programming, and Services
Date
2014-05
Authors
Bell, Reston N.
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Abstract
This research project will explore how recidivism rates for African American males receiving mental health supports through the Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services in the District of Columbia differ as a function of the programs, services, and placement they were assigned to. Ultimately, the researcher is interested in knowing how well the system is working for African American juveniles. Participant and program data are secondary data that have been provided through previously collected information in the District of Columbia's Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services' database. A series of logistic regression and chi-square analyses were run to determine how recidivism varies as a function of programming, placement, and setting. The results of this inquiry suggest that recidivism rates do not significantly vary between the home, community, and secure setting. Furthermore, the accuracy of a youth's placement is also not significantly related to the likelihood of recidivism. Additionally, recommendations for mental health support according to DYRS and test developer criteria do not significantly relate to whether or not youth receive mental health supports during their initial placements with DYRS. Also, recidivism does not vary as a function of whether a youth is receiving mental health supports. The identification of effective treatment for this group can go on to inform treatment for not only the disproportionately represented African American population, but the segment of that population that receives mental health supports within the juvenile justice system.
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Keywords
Counseling psychology, Clinical psychology, Criminology, African Americans, Intervention, Juvenile Justice, Placement, Programming, Recidivism