Female juvenile recidivism in Turkey: Independent correlates and implications for forensic risk assessment
Female juvenile recidivism in Turkey: Independent correlates and implications for forensic risk assessment
Abstract
Purpose
To identify individual, familial and behavioural correlates of recidivism among female juvenile offenders in Turkey and to draw practice-relevant implications for forensic risk assessment and rehabilitation.
Methods
We retrospectively analysed forensic psychiatric case records of 456 girls aged 12–18 years at the time of the index offence, referred by judicial authorities between 2011 and 2021. Variables included demographics, schooling, family structure, family criminal/incarceration history, abuse, self-harm, tattoos, substance use, offence type and intellectual functioning. Group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify independent correlates of repeat offending.
Results
The recidivism rate was 30.9%. Compared with non-recidivists, recidivists showed higher rates of school dropout, larger sibling numbers, parental separation, family crime and incarceration history, tattoos, self-harm and substance use; they also more frequently committed property offences and had prior institutionalisation. In multivariable models, number of siblings (OR = 1.17), family criminal history (OR = 2.57), tattoos (OR = 3.18), substance use (OR = 5.51) and property offences (OR = 6.60) were independently associated with higher odds of recidivism. Property offenders were younger, had prior incarceration, family risk markers and borderline intellectual functioning.
Conclusions
Female juvenile recidivism clustered with family criminogenic context, substance use and behavioural risk markers. These variables should be interpreted as correlates rather than causal determinants of reoffending, given the retrospective design. Findings support gender-attentive prevention efforts, including school retention, family-focused supports and substance use interventions within case management. They also provide guidance for triage and supervision planning in legal and criminological psychology settings.