Kosovar youth correctional institutions from the prospect of rehabilitation

This dissertation is guided by Self Determination Theory (SDT), and examines how living group climate and academic involvement may create conditions for successful rehabilitation of incarcerated juvenile delinquents in Kosovo, and what is known in international literature about the effectiveness of aftercare programs in reducing criminal recidivism and ensuring sustainable rehabilitation? The dissertation uses a mix of quantitative (e.g., meta-analysis) and qualitative (interviews and case studies) research methods. Findings highlight the importance of supportive environments and attending formal education in meeting the psychological and criminogenic needs of incarcerated juvenile delinquents in Kosovo from the perspective of successful rehabilitation. The meta-analysis revealed that mentoring and multimodal aftercare programs, targeting multiple risk and protective factors for juvenile delinquency, can effectively reduce recidivism and promote successful reintegration into society. Research findings from the four empirical studies that are part of this dissertation provide insights and practical implications for enhancing rehabilitation and reintegration of incarcerated juveniles in Kosovo, and possibly other collectivistic cultures or countries that experience less or more economic strains. The dissertation may also contribute to empirical knowledge on the putative (universal) ‘what works principles’ of successful judicial interventions.

There are four studies:
1. Study 1: Validation of the Living Group Climate Instrument (published: Selimi, R., Llullaku, N., van der Helm, G. H. P., (Geert-Jan) Stams, G. J. J. M., & Roest, J. (2024). Living Group Climate in Kosovo and Albania: Internal Structure and Reliability of the Prison Group Climate Instrument (PGCI). Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/24732850.2024.2425635)
2. Study 2: Living group climate in youth correctional facilities in Lipjan, Kosovo: A mixed method study.
3. Study 3: Academic Motivation of Incarcerated Juveniles from the Perspective of Self-determination Theory: A Multiple Case Study (published: Selimi, R., Llullaku, N., (Peer) Van Der Helm, G. H. P., Stams, G. J., & Roest, J. (2023). Academic Motivation of Incarcerated Juveniles From the Perspective of Self-Determination Theory: A Multiple Case Study in Kosovo Context. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X231198805)
4. Study 4: A Three-Level Meta-Analysis of Aftercare Programs for Juvenile and Young Adult Offenders.