NCJ Number
216924
Date Published
2006
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Based on a review of relevant research, this paper compares the effectiveness of prison programming and community-based treatment programs in preventing reoffending by youthful offenders.
Abstract
The more offenders are exposed to treatment and services tailored to their deficits and needs, the more likely they are to reduce or stop their offending. Research data show that supervision and services that deter offenders from negative peer associations help them manage alcohol and drug problems, assist them in performing meaningful jobs, and provide them with skills for positive social interactions can produce a decline in reoffending. A review of research on general patterns of offending among youth shows that relatively few youth become habitual serious offenders. The great majority of youth commits some kind of petty offenses during adolescence but do not evolve into habitual and increasingly severe offending. Violent crimes account for a relatively small portion of all crimes committed by youth. The small subgroup of dangerous young offenders is typically targeted for harsh sanctions. The imprisonment of such youth, however, carries risks, even if it is administered in a more or less humane manner. Imprisonment involves the loss of social ties, social stigmatization, and exposure to hardened criminals. Although offenders cannot victimize the general public while they are in prison, at issue is whether imprisonment makes them more likely to repeat and escalate their offending after release back into the community. Research shows that effective prison-based treatment programs followed by postrelease programs with close supervision that is attentive to the individual needs of the offender can prevent reoffending. 12 figures