The prediction of criminal recidivism in juveniles - A meta-analysis

A meta-analysis was conducted to identify risk factors that best predict ju venile recidivism, defined as rearrest for offending of any kind. Twenty-th ree published studies, representing 15,265 juveniles, met inclusion criteri a. Effect sizes were calculated for 30 predictors of recidivism. Eight grou ps of predictors were compared: (a) demographic information, (b) offense hi story, (C) family and social factors, (d) educational factors, (e) intellec tual and achievement scores, (f) substance use history, (g) clinical factor s, and (h) formal risk assessment. The domain of offense history was the st rongest predictor of reoffending. Other relatively strong predictors includ ed family problems, ineffective use of leisure time. delinquent peers, cond uct problems, and nonsevere pathology.