Drug court effects on criminal offending for juveniles and adults

In this study, the study population examined one hundred fifty four individuals. 92 of them were adults in drug courts, 34 juveniles in drug courts and 28 individuals in DWI drug courts. There were three measurements looked at; general recidivism, drug-related recidivism, and drug use. Data collected on the participants (92 adults in drug court, 34 juveniles in drug court, and 28 individuals in DWI drug court) were general recidivism, drug-related recidivism, and drug use. General recidivism measured being rearrested for any offense. Drug related recidivism measured being rearrested for a drug offense. Lastly, drug use measure self-reported drug use or urinalysis. These measurements were looked at by all of the courts. The data was obtained through a quasi-experiment.

Authors found that in adult drug courts, general and drug related recidivism has been reduced from 50% for non-participants to approximately 38% for participants. In DWI drug courts general and drug related recidivism has also been reduced from 50% for non-participants to 38% for participants. In juvenile drug courts general and drug related recidivism has been reduced from 50% for non-participants to roughly 43. 5% for participants.

In summary, the analysis found that both adult drug courts and DWI drug courts are effective in reducing recidivism. On the other hand, juvenile drug courts have smaller effects on recidivism; juveniles are more likely to recidivate.

The biggest limitation of the data is that it was obtained through a quasi-experiment. This type of experiment is based upon biases. Variables in this type experimental research is less controlled, which causes other factors and influences to be overlooked. For an example, when examining juvenile recidivism there may be other factors such as peers and family that may be playing a role in juvenile’s recidivating. In conclusion, findings have shown that juvenile drug courts are not effective. Reviewing each of the empirical studies, data have shown that the number of juveniles that are unsuccessful in juvenile’s drug courts are greater than those who successfully complete the program. In empirical study one out of 114 youths placed in drug court, 50 of them were successfully released and 64 remained active in the program. In empirical study two, 73 youths successfully completed the program and 76 youth remained unsuccessful. In the last empirical study, analysis found that juvenile drug courts have smaller effects on recidivism.

There are few suggestions I have for future research. Rather than researchers predicting, there should be more experimental methods. There is a need for more researching when it comes to the topic of juveniles. Furthermore, there is a need of improvement within the program. Juvenile justice practitioners should be stricter on those who are admitted into the program. The strategies implemented should be followed intensively so that the goals of the juvenile drug court are achieved!