NCJ Number
34840
Date Published
1975
Length
50 pages
Annotation
FINAL EVALUATION OF A PROJECT TO REDUCE SERIOUS DELINQUENCY AMONG DELINQUENT AND POTENTIALLY DELINQUENT YOUTH IN SEVEN HIGH-DELINQUENCY AREAS OF CLEVELAND BY STIMULATING USE OF YOUTH SERVICES.
Abstract
THE YOUTH OUTREACH PROJECT EMPLOYED WORKERS TO RENDER PERSONAL ASSISTANCE IN CONTROLLING DELINQUENT BEHAVIOR AND ALLEVIATING THE CAUSAL FACTORS FOR SUCH BEHAVIOR THROUGH THE DELIVERY OF SPECIALIZED SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTLY BY THE PROJECT OR INDIRECTLY BY OTHER COMMUNITY YOUTH-SERVING AGENCIES. YOUTH OUTREACH SERVICES WERE TO ASSIST YOUTH IN BEHAVING IN A MORE CONSTRUCTIVE MANNER, ENABLING THEM TO REMAIN IN SCHOOL OR OBTAIN GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT. EVALUATION WAS HAMPERED BY INACCURATE REPORTING AND USE OF FORMS BY WORKERS. RESULTS REVEALED THAT PROJECT CLIENTS SHOWED AN ARREST RATE OF 16 PERCENT AND A MAXIMUM RECIDIVISM RATE OF 25 PERCENT. THE EVALUATORS FEEL THAT THIS COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE INTENSIVE AND EXTENSIVE SERVICES DELIVERY BY THE OUTREACH WORKERS.