Who is Most Likely to Graduate From Teen Court?

Abstract

This article contributes to the literature by identifying variables that predicted graduation from an Indiana teen court. Findings indicated that interventions that are commonly used in teen courts to promote positive behavioral change, such as community service and jail tours, paradoxically predicted noncompletion of teen court. Specifically, youths who completed community service or jail tours were less likely to graduate than those who were not ordered to complete these interventions. Minority youths, those in special education, and having more violations throughout the program also show less likelihood of graduation. Implications for teen court practice and future research are discussed.