The research focuses on the relationships between youthful offending and sanction and between sanction and recidivism. The research involved tracking a large sample of youth from Orleans and Jefferson Parishes following their release from custody or supervision for a delinquent offense. Data collection and analysis involved offending patterns, sanctions received, and recidivism (commission of a delinquent or adult offense following release from juvenile custody or supervision). In both Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, youth sentenced to juvenile prison reoffend at a higher rate than youth who received other sanctions. Youth from both parishes who were released early under parole supervision reoffended at a lower rate than those who remained in custody for the duration of their juvenile prison terms. The report recommends that parish and State agencies use the baseline information presented in this report as a starting point in an ongoing and critical evaluation of the quality and type of services delivered to delinquent youth. Recommendations are also offered in the areas of crime prevention through aftercare and court administration. 3 tables and 11 figures