TARGETING INTERVENTION STRATEGIES TO REDUCE JUVENILE RECIDIVISM

Under the influence of labelling theory, juvenile justice policy has t ended to emphasise the importance of diverting young offenders away fr om court. This emphasis has been reinforced by recent claims that comm unity-based restorative sanctions, such as Community Aid Panels (CAPs) and Family Group Conferences (FGCs), are more effective in reducing j uvenile recidivism than sending young offenders to court. This article critically reviews the labelling theory thesis that formal processing of juvenile offenders is inherently criminogenic. Having concluded th at the thesis lacks empirical support, it then goes on to argue that s trategies designed to reduce juvenile recidivism are more appropriatel y targeted at repeat offenders rather than those with no or little pri or criminal record.