Variations In Juvenile Offending in Louisiana: Demographic, Behavioral, Geographic, and School-Related Predictors

Authors

Samuel B. Robison, Louisiana State UniversityFollow
Bret J. Blackmon, University of Southern MississippiFollow
Judith L.F. Rhodes, Louisiana State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 9-1-2016

School

Social Work

Abstract

This study examines the relative impacts of demographic, behavioral, and school-related factors on juvenile justice contact of varying magnitudes (felony, misdemeanor, and status offenses) across a large, and non-selective sample of youths. The sample includes Deep South public school students examined from 1996 to 2012 (N =615,515). Data were obtained through state administrative databases. Noteworthy findings are that school expulsion, male gender, prior Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (LOJJ) contact, and grade failure are major predictors, though their relative impact varies based on the severity of offense. Further, being African American loses much of its practical significance in all models once other factors are taken into account. Implications for policy and subsequent research efforts are discussed.

Publication Title

OJJDP Journal of Juvenile Justice

Volume

5

Issue

2

First Page

31

Last Page

49

Recommended Citation

Robison, S. B., Blackmon, B. J., Rhodes, J. L. (2016). Variations In Juvenile Offending in Louisiana: Demographic, Behavioral, Geographic, and School-Related Predictors. OJJDP Journal of Juvenile Justice, 5(2), 31-49.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/17248