Examining the Link Between Perceptions of Relationship Quality With Parole Officers and Recidivism Among Female Youth Parolees. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vidal, Sarah; Oudekerk, Barbara A.; Reppucci, N. Dickon; Woolard, Jennifer
• Is Part Of: Youth violence and juvenile justice. Volume 13:Number 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 76
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: female offending youth -- youth parolees -- parole -- community reintegration; Youth and violence -- United States -- Periodicals; Juvenile justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; Juvenile delinquency -- United States -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Juvenile corrections -- United States -- Periodicals; 364.360973
• DOI: 10.1177/1541204013507959
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1541-2040

Abstract

This study explored 140 female youth parolees' characterization of their relationships with their parole officers (PO), examined whether the quality of PO–youth relationships relate to recidivism, and explored the role of parental assistance in acquiring services during reintegration as a moderator of the link between PO–youth relationship and recidivism. Female youth perceived both an interpersonal and professionalism aspect of PO–youth relationship. The association between the interpersonal quality of PO–youth relationship and violent recidivism was strong and significant for those who had low parental assistance, but nonsignificant for those with high parental assistance. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.