NCJ Number
82105
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1981) Pages: 14-18
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews an evaluation of Michigan's Juvenile Offenders Learn Truth (JOLT) program, a juvenile awareness or 'Scared Straight' program using hardened adult inmates to teach impressionable juveniles the realities of prison life. It discusses the theoretical, methodological, and political ramifications of the evaluation's findings.
Abstract
Michigan's Department of Corrections failed to find any benefits to juveniles from the program, although JOLT had received favorable media attention. At a public hearing challenging the evaluation's findings, program proponents found methodological flaws in the evaluation, such as the small number of subjects attending the JOLT sessions and the brief followup period. They argue that the program had the support of the community, judges, some corrections staff, and youth and their parents; that it has shown some positive effects on adult offenders and no harmful effects on juveniles; and that it costs the Department of Corrections nothing. Overall, the department would have made a better decision if it had decided to modify the program as a result of the findings instead of terminating it. A table, notes, and eight references are supplied.