Baseline findings of a prospective study on pro-offending attitudes and self-reported problems among juvenile probationers

Abstract

Although there are scholarly articles and government reports published over the years (Chui, 2004, 2006; Lo et al., 1997), little is known about the effectiveness of the current Hong Kong probation system in reducing juvenile probationers' recidivism risk and easing their community reintegration process. Thus, this Phase One study of an ongoing three-phase longitudinal project aims to set a baseline to measure the pro-offending attitudes and self-reported problems of 77 male juvenile offenders (aged 14 to 20) who recently started their probation period at a residential home using CRIME-PICS II.

Phases Two and Three will be conducted upon the completion of their probation and eventual release into their community. Within-programme changes will be measured to examine the effectiveness of the current juvenile probation practice. Sample demographic characteristics, offender criminal history, and CRIME-PICS II descriptive findings are presented. This project is imperative in several aspects with implications for both public policy and social work practice.