Effects of substance use treatment on recidivism for youth in need of treatment

Jennifer Pankow, George W. Joe, Angela A. Robertson, Sheena K. Gardner, Larkin Street McReynolds, Megan F. Dickson, John P. Bartkowski, Nancy Arrigona, Pernilla Johansson, Elizabeth D. Joseph, Kate E. Krupka, Thomas B. Sease, Danica Kalling Knight

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose and method: The association between illegal activity and substance use (SU) is prominent in juvenile populations, underscoring the importance of gaining a better understanding about SU treatment as a strategy to reduce recidivism. Youth records (N = 9165) from 12 juvenile justice programs in JJ-TRIALS examined the impact of treatment on the relationship between treatment need and time to recidivism. Results: The 4-step mediation analysis demonstrated: (1) treatment need significantly relates to time to recidivism (p < .0002); (2) treatment need positively predicts treatment length (p ≤ .0001); (3) treatment length positively predicts time to recidivism (p < .0001); and (4), full mediation. Specifically, more treatment significantly predicted a longer time to recidivism such that youth with an identified need receiving treatment (Group A) had a longer time to recidivism than youth with a treatment need who did not receive services (Group B). A survival distribution curve illustrates that 14 % of youth in Group A had a recidivism event during the study, compared to 98 % of youth in Group B. Conclusions: Outcomes point to the benefit of expanded treatment services for youth in juvenile justice. Services include early identification of treatment needs, treatment referrals, and treatment receipt to reduce recidivism risk.

Original languageEnglish
Article number102304
JournalJournal of Criminal Justice
Volume95
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

  • Delinquency
  • Juvenile justice
  • Recidivism
  • Substance use treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Applied Psychology
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Law

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