The First Offender Risk Assessment Index (FORAI) comprises seven predictor variables: family history of criminal involvement, school functioning, substance abuse, peer group associations, parental supervision, age at first court referral, and seriousness of the referring offense. The study collected longitudinal data on recidivism rates for 181 first offenders who, along with their parents, were previously administered the FORAI. The FORAI correctly classified the recidivism of more than 70 percent of the study sample and four of the seven predictor variables were statistically significant. The study concludes that the FORAI, as a composite measure, could provide a meaningful approach to the early identification of at-risk youth. Use of this instrument may require additional costs in time and resources, but the FORAI is also a valid predictor of recidivism among a first-offender population. Tables, figure, references