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. This paper will also comment on whether the correctional facility strategies differ from
those used in a community corrections environment and recommend the strategies that produce
the most desirable outcomes. Read more
Studies conducted in the United States show that about 76.6 percent of individuals
released from jails end up being rearrested (Esparza Flores, 2018). The majority of recidivists in
the country are minors from marginalized ethnic groups. Research shows that Black men's
recidivism rate is about 65 percent compared to 47.6 percent rate of their white counterparts
(Esparza Flores, 2018). Labeling theory posits that ex-convicts are exposed to stigma both in the
criminal justice system and society, making it difficult for them to access decent education and
employment (Tegeng & Abadi, 2018). The most common criminal activities committed by
recidivists include fraud, theft, and burglary. Research studies have identified several factors that
influence juvenile and adult offenders to engage in recidivism, including gender, age, level of
education, marital status, monthly income, and parenting. Juvenile and Adult Offenders; Order

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
(Tegeng & Abadi, 2018). This means that men are more likely to engage in repeat unacceptable
behavior than women. Similarly, Tinik & Hudak (2014) noted 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 (Tegeng & Abadi,
2018). Tinik & Hudak (2014) 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 (Tegeng & Abadi, 2018. 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 (Tegeng & Abadi, 2018). This is consistent with the findings of
Esparza Flores, who noted that education is a significant factor influencing recidivism (2018).
This is because most Black men, who form the largest percentage of recidivists, are high-school
dropouts or with little or no college education.
Fourthly, most juvenile and adult offenders who engage in recidivism were married at
74.5 percent, while the remaining 20.6 percent were single and 4.9 percent divorced (Tegeng &
Abadi, 2018). However, this differs between counties, as seen in Ghana, where 14.7 percent of
offenders were married, 29.4 percent single, and 38.3 percent divorced (Tegeng & Abadi, 2018).

The fifth factor influencing recidivism is parenting. The majority of re-offenders at 41.4 percent
were living alone, 26.9 percent were living with their parents, 19.2 percent were living with a
single parent and with relatives, and 10.6 percent of the offenders were living with adult
guardians (Tegeng & Abadi, 2018).
The sixth factor influencing recidivism is monthly income. About 47.1 of the juvenile
and adult offenders studied earned a monthly income of below 500 birrs compared to 32.7
percent of offenders who earned a monthly income of between 500 and 1000 birr (Tegeng &
Abadi, 2018). This means that low monthly income contributes greatly to a repeat of
unacceptable behavior. The majority of re-offenders were unemployed and had low living
standards. Esparza Flores (2018) agrees with the findings stating that men with lower economic
activities are more likely to turn to crime as a means of earning a living. Additionally, Esparza
Flores noted that individuals with criminal records are less likely to access employment than
those without a criminal history. Juvenile and Adult Offenders;
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 (Tegeng & Abadi, 2018). 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 (Tegeng & Abadi, 2018). 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. Juvenile and Adult Offenders;

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 (Tegeng & Abadi, 2018). This means
committing resources to ensure that inmates realize their mistakes and work towards changing
their behaviors. The fifth strategy that the criminal justice system can use to address these issues
is to conduct post-release supervision (Tegeng & Abadi, 2018). This would help ensure that the
ex-offenders are monitored and led to do the things expected of them by society.
In conclusion, the discussed strategies are similar to those used in a community
corrections environment. This is because both strategies focus on ensuring that ex-offenders do
not engage in recidivism behavior. However, not all of the discussed strategies are likely to
produce positive outcomes. One of the most promising strategies is to strengthen prison-based
rehabilitation programs. The other strategy that is likely to be useful is to develop an integrative
re-integration system for ex-offenders upon release. The third promising strategy is enacting
policies to ensure that ex-offenders get access to decent education, excellent health care,
employment, and better living standards upon release. Juvenile and Adult Offenders;