Juvenile and Adult Offenders; Recidivism refers to a person’s act to repeat an unacceptable behavior even after being trained to do away with the behavior or suffered the negative consequences of that behavior. More often, recidivism refers to people who engage in criminal behaviors and substance abuse. It is agreed as a sound doctrine that juvenile and adult offenders who abuse substances are at high risk of engaging in repetitive criminal behavior. This is common among those who suffer from trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and brain chemistry imbalance. This paper aims to discuss the factors that influence juvenile and adult offenders to engage in recidivism and
highlight the most effective approaches used by criminal justice counselors to address these issues. Read more

The first contributing factor identified is gender. Concerning a study done in Ghana, about 91.2 percent of recidivists in the country were males, and only 8.8 percent were female. This means that men are more likely to engage in repeat unacceptable behavior than women. Similarly, males have a higher likelihood of engaging in recidivism than females. The second factor influencing recidivism, according to research, is age. In other words, young adults between 16 and 29 are more likely to engage in repeat unacceptable behavior compared to individuals aged 30 and above. Tinik also noted that age has a positive relationship with recidivism. This is because the older an individual was, the higher the likelihood they engaged in a repeat of unacceptable behavior.

Juvenile and Adult Offenders

Thirdly, the level of education is another factor influencing recidivism. Studies conducted in the United States reveal that prisoners with less than a high school level of education at 31.4 percent are more likely to engage in recidivism. The likelihood of offenders with a high school level of education engaging in recidivism is 19.3 percent. The
possibility of offenders with a college-level education is 18.0 percent, and offenders with a college degree are 8.8 percent. This is consistent with the findings of Esparza Flores, who noted that education is a significant factor influencing recidivism.

Strategies for the criminal justice system to address these issues

The first strategy to address the factors influencing recidivism is to develop an integrative re-integration system for ex-offenders upon release. In other words, intervene to ensure that the ex-offenders are not discriminated against, bullied, or denied an opportunity to participate in societal activities. Secondly, the criminal justice system should
conduct national campaigns to shape people’s negative perceptions in society against juvenile and adult offenders. In other words, invest in the social re-integration of
ex-convicts in society through various programs. This would help secure the social stay of ex- offenders within their home communities.

Thirdly, the criminal justice system should work closely with legislators to enact policies to ensure that offenders get access to decent education, excellent health care, employment, and better living standards upon release. The fourth strategy to address recidivism in the united states is to strengthen the prison-based rehabilitation programs. The fifth strategy that the criminal justice system can use to address these issues is to conduct post-release supervision. This would help ensure that the ex-offenders are monitored and led to do the things expected of them by society. APA