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Pathways to Desistance

Award Information

Award #
2007-MU-FX-0002
Location
Congressional District
Status
Closed
Funding First Awarded
2007
Total funding (to date)
$2,452,803

Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2007, $600,000)

Title of Study: Pathways to Desistance

The University of Pittsburgh will continue an ongoing investigation of the ways serious adolescent offenders stop their involvement in crime and make successful transitions to adulthood. This study is an ongoing, multi-site, collaborative, longitudinal research project following 1,354 serious juvenile offenders, examining factors related to positive and negative psychological and behavioral outcomes during this critical developmental period. The study identifies variations in patterns of desistance from antisocial activity and examines the role of social context and developmental change in promoting positive outcomes, as well as the effects of sanctions and interventions in this process.

The study provides the empirical information needed to improve decision-making by court and social service personnel about juveniles' future risk and amenability to treatment, as well as guidance for important, ongoing policy debates about alternative approaches for dealing with serious adolescent offenders. Project performance will be measured by the project's adherence to its established timeline and by the quality of deliverables. Due to limited FY 07 research funds, OJJDP is funding this project at 600,000, a lower level than requested by the applicant. CA/NCF

Date Created: September 24, 2007