NCJ Number
78718
Date Published
1980
Length
268 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings of a comprehensive evaluation of New York State delinquency rehabilitation programs operated by the New York Division for Youth.
Abstract
Programs were grouped into two categories: target programs, representing all community-based facilities in the four metropolitan areas of New York City, the Capital District, Buffalo, and Syracuse; and nontarget programs. The study used a quasi-experimental, multiple treatment, selective pre/post testing, cohort tracking design. The sample included all 1,081 juveniles newly admitted or readmitted to division services from May through August 1978. The study hypothesized that the division had four basic objectives: to improve education, enhance employability, improve self-esteem, and reduce recidivism and behavior problems among referred youngsters. Findings related to youngster characteristics at entry into the division are presented in terms of demographic characteristics of the juveniles and youngster preintervention characteristics in the areas of education, employment, self-esteem, and behavior. Findings address general program characteristics, the program's relationship with the community, and the intervention-relevant social climate of the individual program unit. Findings regarding initial placement and subsequent movement of youngsters focus on the placement of youngsters at admission and patterns of movement after entry and to the end of the study tracking period. Findings indicate that educational and employment services had a beneficial impact on youngsters, whereas self-esteem was not significantly improved through program participation. Moreover, youngsters who made less improvement while in the program were more likely than others to remain delinquent. Recommendations for the division are included. Tables and figures are provided, and data collection instruments and regression equations employed in predicting youngster outcomes are appended.