Cycle of Repeat Offenses Analyzing the Environments that Facilitate Youth and Juvenile Recidivism

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study the characteristics of environments conducive to the recidivism of children and youth and to seek ways to create suitable environments to prevent recidivism of children and youth using qualitative research methods. A total of 155 participants were purposively selected, including repeat offenders, executives, academics, officials, and parents involved with repeat offenders from the Juvenile Observation and Protection Centers. In-depth interviews were conducted with 145 participants, and focus group was conducted with 10 participants. The study found that there were six aspects of the environment conducive to the recidivism of children and youth: 1) Family aspect, 2) Residence, 3) School Environment/Friends/People Around, 4) Social Media, 5) Culture and Traditions, and 6) Economic Conditions. These six aspects of the environment contributed to the recidivism of children and youth. Therefore, the key approach to prevent children and youth from reoffending is to break or reduce the cycle of negative environmental factors that contribute to their repeat offenses as much as possible.