This document reports on an impact evaluation with a quasi-experimental design to examine rearrests and reconvictions for community-based support program participants compared with non-participants; it provides background, program implementation details, a discussion of the results, and an appendix consisting of impact data collection strategies.
The authors of this report present the findings of a qualitative and an impact evaluation of Arches, a group mentoring program that serves young adult probation clients aged 16 to 24 years through an evidence-based interactive journaling curriculum centered on cognitive behavioral principles. The evaluation was conducted using a matched comparison group to assess the impact of the Arches program on participant outcomes, including recidivism reduction. Results indicated that Arches participants were significantly less likely to be reconvicted of a crime relative to their peers: felony reconviction rates among Arches participants were 69 percent lower, 12 months after beginning probation, and 57 percent lower 24 months after beginning probation. The authors present several recommendations to enhance the Arches program model and capitalize on its success, such as better tailoring the curriculum content to reflect the lived experiences of the participant population, increasing the frequency and length of programming to support participant engagement, and introducing wraparound and aftercare services. The authors also highlight the potential to increase collaboration across Arches providers, to improve knowledge sharing and adoption of best practices, as well as to enhance partnerships between Arches providers and other young adult programming to supplement service delivery and grow community awareness of the program.