Sánchez-Armáss CO, García de Alba VJE

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 1412-1439
PDF size: 204.69 Kb.

ABSTRACT

The main psychological contributions of past 30 years on the social rehabilitation of juvenile offenders are presented. The criminal culpability of juveniles is examined from a developmental perspective. Considering that adolescents present diminished decision-making abilities, are less able to resist peer pressure, and their psychosocial skills are incipient, the age-related immaturity should be considered a mitigating condition. The findings from meta-analytic studies are presented in order to determine the most effective treatments in the reduction of recidivism. In conclusion, the programs that follow the risk, need, and responsivity principles, proposed by Andres, Bonta and Hoge (1990) have higher rates of rehabilitation, independently if they are directed to adults or juveniles. However, for juvenile rehabilitation programs, it is important to include components for the development of cognitive skills.