Using a community sample of 296 youth participating in a longitudinal study, this study sought to explore: (1) gender differences in rates and patterns of offending; (2) gender differences in pathways between childhood and adolescent family risk factors, adolescent depression, and juvenile delinquency and (3) childhood sexual abuse as a risk factor of female delinquency? Structural equations models were initially run separately for girls and boys. Early exposure to family violence did not predict delinquency for either sex. It did influence later parenting practices for girls' only. Girls depression was also affected by current parenting practices. Parenting in adolescence did not predict girls' delinquency, although the relationship approached significance in the predicted direction. Only girls' depression was significantly related to girls' delinquency. For boys, the only significant relationship in the model was between parenting in adolescence and juvenile delinquency. Although the patterns of associations between the girls' and boys' models appear to differ, multi-group structural equation models tested whether the pathways between constructs statistically differed by sex. Results from these analyses indicate that the pathways between parenting in adolescence and depression, and depression and delinquency are significantly more relevant for girls than for boys. The final model including sexual abuse, was tested for girls only. Child sexual abuse affected parenting in adolescence and also predicted adolescent depression. Although childhood sexual abuse failed to directly predict delinquency, the pathway emerged as a trend.

Objectives. To compare HIV risk behaviours of female street youth involved and not involved in prostitution and to identify predictors of initiation into prostitution. / Methods. Female street youth aged 14--25 years were recruited into a prospective cohort study between January 1995 and March 2000. Parametric and non-parametric methods were used to compare risk factors for HIV infection. Girls with no history of prostitution at baseline were followed prospectively to estimate the incidence of prostitution. Cox regression analysis was used to determine predictors of prostitution. / Results. Significantly higher proportions of girls with a history of prostitution reported engaging in behaviours that put them at risk of HIV infection. Such behaviours included non-injection and injection drug use, unprotected sex and risky sexual partnerships. The incidence rate of prostitution among girls not engaged in prostitution at baseline was 11.5/100 person-years. Independent predictors of initiation into prostitution were being 18 years or younger (Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.2; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.0--4.8), using alcohol everyday (HR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1--1.5) and using at least three types of drugs (HR: 5.4; 95% CI: 1.6--18.4). / Conclusions. Girls involved in prostitution exhibited more behaviours that may place them at increased risk of HIV infection compared with female street youth. Young age and substance use characterised by the overuse of alcohol and multi-drug use were found to be independent predictors of initiation into prostitution for female street youth.

<p> The Internet has long been utilized by gay men and men who have sex with men (MSM) as a space for the seeking-out of deviant behaviors such as condomless sex and the use of popular "party drugs." Within criminal justice, however, there is a tendency to separate such deviant sex- and drug-related behaviors from culture; thus, these behaviors often become criminalized without recognizing the meaning they may have for the "offenders"; meaning that, in addition to being borne out of oppression and marginalization, is also borne out of stigmatizing experiences.</p><p> Through an exploration of gay culture, this thesis explores the underlying meanings of a subset of drug-seeking gay men who "party and play" (PnP). Such an analysis is important not only for criminal justice, but also for the field of cultural criminology, which seeks to inform both the criminal justice system and law enforcement professionals of the need for cultural sensitivity.</p>

<p> The prevalence of sexual violence on college campuses has reached an alarming level. With some reports indicating that almost 20% of women experience attempted or completed rape after entering college, the call for intervention is at an all-time high (Krebs et al., 2009). One of the more recent and successful interventions has come in the form of bystander intervention, which calls upon the people around when the potential for a sexually violent situation develops and encourages them to step up and intervene (Banyard, Plante, Moynihan, 2005). This study looked into how college student athletes were different than their non-athlete peers on measures of willingness to intervene and actual intervention behaviors in situations of sexual violence. Intervention behavior was measured in terms of total opportunities to intervene, total intervention actions, total inactions, the proportion of actions per opportunity, and the proportion of inactions per opportunity. For any effect of athlete status on bystander intention or behavior, these potential mediators were investigated: drinking behavior, rape supportive attitudes, exposure to sexual violence education, and social connectedness. A two-way analysis of variance indicated gender and athlete status main effects and interactions. Several regression models explored the relationships of the potential mediating variables with these effects. Athletes were less willing to intervene but reported more frequent intervention behavior than non-athletes. Drinking behavior mediated the relationship between athlete status and willingness to intervene. These results indicate the field of bystander intervention should tailor intervention techniques to fit the student athlete population, and further to include in this intervention a discussion of how drinking behavior inhibits willingness to intervene in situations of sexual violence.</p>

<p> The primary purpose of this study was to examine successful instructional practices that promote high academic achievement for at-risk students in juvenile detention centers, and possibly lead to a reduction in recidivism in the juvenile justice system. A case study was conducted at 2 Los Angeles juvenile detention centers, known as "The Sports Camp" and "The Vocational Camp." Qualitative research methods provided data triangulated from a document and artifact examination, interviews, and observations. Analysis of the data suggests that, contrary to popular belief, there are successful instructional practices that positively impact student academic achievement. However, the findings also indicate that extenuating circumstances prevent some students from taking advantage f their educational opportunities. Although the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) is committed to improving educational outcomes for incarcerated youth, there are no magic formulas or solutions. Therefore, multiple strategies will be needed to significantly improve educational outcomes for students in this nontraditional school setting.</p>

<p> This study presents the specific problem surrounding the lack of empirical research for improving engagement and ongoing supervision between criminal justice practitioners and offenders. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive single-case study dissertation aimed to investigate job roles and social contact for improvement of engagement with special needs federal offenders in community corrections. This study used a descriptive framework comprised of, education, training, and leadership and management as a special interest. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews used a purposeful and snowball approach. The participants were 10 criminal justice practitioners, five Case Managers and five United States Probation Officers that provide transitional services to the federal offenders with special needs. Three themes emerged based on the participant&rsquo;s perceptions and experiences regarding job roles and social contacts with offenders. The themes were as follows: (a) managing offenders and professionalism, (b) influence of education and training, and (c) setting the tone and culture of the organization. The research discovered that a professional rapport is essential for engaging offenders. This study discovered the ramifications of communicating expectations of transitioning into society and its impact on recidivism. Further implications for leadership to consider based on this study is a need for a comprehensive approach for how to properly mange offenders with special needs. Recommendations for seeking appropriate means for offering professional development opportunities for all practitioners in community corrections is proposed to correctional leaders.</p>

<p> The interplay between governmentality, biopolitics and the state manifests itself discursively and materially within the realm of sovereignty over territory and at the level of the population. This thesis is specifically concerned with the relational contexts of the People's Republic of China during the 'War on Terror.' Hence, this thesis engages how the state discursively produces what and how 'Uyghur' is relationally dependent on transforming notions of state sovereignty during the 'War on Terror.' Accordingly, the discursivity of 'Uyghur' allows for dialectic production by the state and the ontological rationalization of governmental practice that produces difference.</p>

<p> Juvenile delinquency continues to be a major social problem in the United States. One of the more salient problems with the juvenile justice system in the United States is its staggering incarceration rate, which poses a significant problem for youth exposed to the juvenile justice system, and the community as a whole. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand the perspective of the program facilitators about the effectiveness of the restorative justice program in reducing recidivism for African American males aged 12 to 17 in Baltimore City's urban community. This study relied upon restorative justice theory as conceptualized by Braithwaite as the theoretical framework. Using intrinsic case study design, data were collected from 7 restorative justice facilitators, who participated in face-to-face interviews using semistructured, open-ended questions. Miles and Huberman's qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data and to record emerging themes and patterns. The key finding of this study indicates that facilitators believe restorative justice results in a reduction of the recidivism rate specifically through the conferencing program when Braithwaite's reintegrative shaming is incorporated into the process. According to the program facilitators, the conferencing program is effective in reducing juvenile recidivism as it promotes transparency and openness to all stakeholders through being very clear and upfront on all levels with the juveniles, parents, and volunteers. As such, there are implications for positive social change by involving all the stakeholders&mdash;family, community, policy makers, and juvenile justice practitioners&mdash;that may result in reduced incidences of juvenile offending, thereby promoting safer communities.</p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to examine the demographic differences in methamphetamine usage among youth and how methamphetamine users engaged in the use of other illegal drugs including, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and also engage in risk taking behaviors. The study utilized secondary data from the National Institute of Health, Youth Behavioral Risk Survey (YRBS) of20011. Sample size consisted of 294 both male and female youth who are methamphetamine users. The findings revealed that drug use amongst youth continues to be on the rise. Findings noted that male meth users had the highest rates of cocaine, ecstasy and heroin use compared to female meth users. The highest rate among female meth users was seen in cocaine use. Findings also revealed that cocaine use was the highest among Hispanic/Latino meth users and ecstasy use was the highest among Non-Hispanic/Latino meth users. In addition findings revealed that a significant association was found in youth's drug use and their involvement in risk taking behaviors. Prior research and findings from this study help society have a more proactive approach when helping youth who suffer from the disease of addiction.</p>

<p> The purpose of this project was to design a program, locate a potential funding source and write a grant to fund an intimate partner violence prevention program for the Korean American immigrant community in Los Angeles County. An extensive literature review was performed to investigate the prevalence and effects of intimate partner violence in the Korean immigrant community as well as identifying the need for culturally specific prevention interventions. A host agency was selected, Korean American Family Services, to propose a prevention workshop program in Los Angeles, California.</p><p> A search was conducted to locate an appropriate funder for the prevention workshops. The U.S. Department of Justice, Culturally and Linguistically Specific Services Program, was selected as a funding source for the grant program. Actual submission and/or funding of the grant was not required for the successful completion of this project.</p>