Abstract
This study sought to provide a more recent and longitudinal examination of the effect of formal processing on status offenders’ subsequent delinquency using data from a large sample of first-time referral status offenders in the state of Florida. Results from semi-parametric group-based trajectory models suggested that roughly half of the status offenders subsequently accumulated delinquent arrests in adolescence following their initial referral for a status offense. Furthermore, the number and type of trajectory groups were more similar than different across sex. Study limitations and policy implications are also discussed.
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Notes
There was demographic information missing for only 13 of the CINS/FINS youth from the entire state of Florida.
A handful of cases were removed because they involved transfers to adult court.
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Acknowledgement
The author would like to offer a sincere thanks to Dr. Charles Frazier for his assistance with acquiring the data for this project and helpful comments on an earlier draft of the manuscript.
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Jennings, W.G. Sex Disaggregated Trajectories of Status Offenders: Does CINS/FINS Status Prevent Male and Female Youth From Becoming Labeled Delinquent?. Am J Crim Just 36, 177–187 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-011-9109-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-011-9109-3