Evaluations the risk of criminal recidivism: a research on a sample of juvenile offenders in Abruzzo

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the research is to monitor children in behavioral development, with regards to possible repercussions
and criminal proceedings. In a follow-up report a year and a half later we considered the consequences of interventions
conducted after analyzing risk factors and protective factors present prior to legal proceedings. Methodology:The research includes
a sample of young offenders aged 14-17 years. This sample reflects the characteristics of the juvenile population of
Abruzzo, for this reason we decided to compile a database which would include all social-records, along with family, behavioral,
and clinical information. For legal reasons and for a risk assessment analysis an instrument inspired by Savry was used,
to identify predictors of recidivism. Results: Risk factors associated with juvenile delinquent behavior are underachievement,
and also the attendance of deviant groups, and family environmental factors, such as a lack of monitoring and family factors,
often related to violent and deviant past experiences. The lack of protective factors that affect adherence to pro-social activities
and commitment to school, are among the main and most frequent items in critically predicting deviant behavior. These
factors lead to a lack of resources when attempting to remove the child from the criminal circuit and to start a recovery
path. Conclusions: It highlights that cooperation on the part of the family is the most significant protective factor in the prevention
of continued deviant behavior, when striving for a favorable outcome of probation. It also outlines how the use of
standardized instruments that measure the risks and opportunities in the story of a minor criminal offenders
are effectively utilized for the application of intervention measures, mainly in order to avoid recurrence.
Keywords: children, crime, recidivism, social and cultural variables