The literature which addresses the treatment and disposition of juvenile offenders thoroughly establishes the prevalence of racial bias. Though research is abundant regarding racial bias in both the mental health field and in the juvenile justice system, little exists which examines whether the two combine to contribute to the disproportionate percentage of minority offenders in the justice system. This paper examines this possible contribution. It is hypothesized that both probation officers and mental health professionals employ racial discrimination in dispositional recommendations leading to recommendations for the incarceration of black offenders although white offenders with identical characteristics are recommended for placement in mental health treatment facilities. A log-linear model for single-response qualitative data was modified to a 2 x 2 chi-square analysis due to the low number of referrals to detention which would not allow an evaluation of interactions between the variables. Utilizing a chi-square analysis, statistical significance was not met. Possible reasons for these findings and implications for research are addressed. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

This thesis explored the relationship between youth delinquency, family intervention treatment and recidivism through a meta-analysis of existing literature. Fifty individual effect size estimates were derived from thirty-five experimental research studies examining the impact of involving families in the treatment of young offenders. Initially, family intervention treatment was found to significantly reduce the recidivism of young offenders compared to non-familial responses to youth crime. Methodology, however, was found to be a crucial determinant of the reported effects of treatment; studies using less rigorous methods tended to produce significantly higher rates of success than studies using more rigorous methods. In terms of treatment characteristics, programs treating younger offenders and programs with voluntary participation displayed significantly lower levels of reported recidivism. The results suggested the need to develop more rigorous methods and reporting practices and to target younger offenders with voluntary family-based interventions.

Thesis (Psy. D.)--University of St. Thomas, Minn., 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 133-143). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas, 2007. / "December 2007." Includes bibliographical references (p. 87-100).

Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2007 / Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree of Master of Social Work. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 25-32, 54-62, 86-94).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 2007. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 276-289).

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1994. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 130-153). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.W.)--Carleton University, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 230-238). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Psychology, 2008. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on July 6, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 119-130). Also issued in print.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University, 2008. / Title from first page of PDF file (viewed June 16, 2008). Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 84-94).