Research needs to examine what is right with youth to better design programs and allocate resources to those with the greatest need. This study examined protective factors of youth first involved in the justice system at detainment and which factors are still prevalent at 6 and 12 months in those who desist from crime. The main components of the family, community (peers, school, and juvenile justice), and individual are highlighted, and involve discussions of the conceptual framework and fluidity of risk and protective factors. Specific to youth at first involvement, a descriptive analysis of 871 youth found that family stability of pro-social models was important. Youth living with relatives were more likely to desist at 12 months and factor contributing to desistance was having an absence of family members involved in the justice system. If family sought help early, youth were more likely to desist at 6 months. The community component suggested that pro-social peers and school had little effect in determining desistance. There were also minor increases in desistance with youth who were not on medication and those involved in extracurricular activities. A logistic regression analysis was performed on a sample of 3343 youth with dichotomous outcomes of desistance and recidivism. This analysis adds to the ongoing discussion of youth at risk, disproportionate minority contact, and special education services. Additional research is needed to fully understand how these factors impact youth behavior problems and delinquency reduction.
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