This study presents the results of a longitudinal experiment focused on the relative efficacy of varying treatments for juvenile offenders.
Four interventions using nonprofessionals were contrasted with an attention-placebo group and a treatment-as-usual control group. Systematic manipulation checks indicated a high degree of integrity in the different treatment conditions. Examination of outcomes was accomplished using multiple measures of self-reported delinquency and official recidivism. Results indicated no significant differential effects on self-reported delinquency. However, all treatment conditions involving a specific intervention model located outside the formal juvenile justice system produced lower recidivism rates than the attention-placebo condition, the treatment-as-usual control condition, or the intervention condition located within the juvenile justice system. The nature of these findings and their relation to the field of delinquency theory and treatment are discussed. (Publisher abstract)