Age

Between 1995 and 2005, the case rate (number of cases disposed per 1,000 juveniles) for petitioned truancy and ungovernability cases increased for all age groups, while the case rates for curfew and liquor law violations declined. Younger teens (under age 16) accounted for 60 percent of petitioned status offense cases, compared with older teens (Stahl, 2008). Older teens accounted for 73 percent of ungovernable cases, 71 percent of truancy cases, and 62 percent of runaway cases. Although older and younger teens were equally likely to have adjudicated cases result in out-of-home placements, younger teens were more likely to receive probation (Puzzanchera and Sickmund, 2008).

Race

Although white juveniles accounted for the majority of all petitioned status offense cases, American Indian juveniles had a higher case rate compared with all other racial categories. In 2005, American Indian juveniles had three times the rate of Asian juveniles and twice the rate of white juveniles. American Indian juveniles were also more likely to have status offense cases that resulted in adjudication, especially for cases of ungovernability. African-American juveniles had higher percentages than other racial groups of adjudicated status offense cases that resulted in out-of-home placement and probation (Puzzanchera and Sickmund, 2008).

Gender

In 2005, males accounted for 56 percent of all petitioned status offense caseloads. Males had a higher share of cases in all status offense categories, except for petitioned runaway cases—where females accounted for 61 percent. Petitioned status offense case rates for males consistently increased with age, while status offense case rates for females peaked at age 16 (Puzzanchera and Sickmund, 2008).