Risk factors for adult imprisonment in a sample of youth released from residential child care

This study examined five cohorts of male youth released from residential child care (N=1550) to determine the likelihood that they would later appear in the adult correctional system. Approximately one quarter of the youth studied were sentenced to adult corrections within 7 1/2 years of release from residential child care. Years five and seven following release were periods of greatest risk. Among the key variables found to influence the likelihood and rate of adult sentencing were indicators of chronic juvenile delinquency (number of previous felonies, number previous stays) and subsequent placements as youth in residential or institutional settings. Policy and program implications of the findings are discussed.