RICHMOND, Va. – Juveniles tried as adults are more likely to recidivate, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Younger adult offenders also are at a higher risk to recidivate and reject programs to address behaviors.

Recidivism is measured by rearrest, reconviction, and reincarceration. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), 95 to 97 percent of those incarcerated will get out – 75 percent will return to jail or prison within three years of release.

A 2014 study by the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) stated that the longer sentences juveniles get and the farther they are from home, the more likely they are to recidivate.

Dr. Julie McConnell, an associate clinical professor of law at the University of Richmond, said holding juvenile offenders away from their homes is the “worst thing we could be doing.”

“[The DJJ] is hoping to build up these community placement programs,” she said. “Drugs are everywhere, bad influences are everywhere, struggles in schools are everywhere – these issues cross all socioeconomic, racial lines.”

Source: Florida Department of Corrections

McConnell is the director of the University of Richmond’s Children’s Defense Clinic, a program for third year law students to practice defending juvenile cases under the supervision of a licensed attorney.

According to DJJ’s study, males were 2.6 times more likely to be rearrested than females; juveniles released on parole were 1.5 times more likely to rearrested than those not released on parole.

An offender study out of Arkansas in 1999 found that substance abuse within families and the lack of two parental figures increases a juvenile’s chance of recidivating. Criminal behaviors among families and peers also increased the risk of recidivism.

Dr. Sarah Scarbrough, internal program director of Richmond City Justice Center’s REAL program, said the generational cycle among inmates keeps offenders coming back.

“These families cannot break the cycle, so we had to give them something different,” she said. “In order to do that, it’s not just a [Narcotics Anonymous] meeting, it’s not just an anger management course, and it’s not just talking about the drugs … if you take away the drugs, you still have the behaviors.”

Although Scarbrough works exclusively with adults, she said the younger residents are less likely to join RCJC’s recovery programs.

A 2014 study by BJS stated that recidivism rates decline with age.

Megan Rollins, president and CEO of reentry program Boaz & Ruth, said her organization does not work with juvenile justice system, due to the fact that many of the younger inmates “think [they’re] invincible.”

“When we’re younger, we always think we’re invincible, and maybe not tired yet,” Rollins said. Boaz & Ruth’s average age of assistance is around the low 40s. “The results that we’re getting based on decisions and actions – it’s a more mature adult that is ready to make that decision.”