NCJ Number
206617
Date Published
2004
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This chapter reports on the findings of well-planned research and outcome studies conducted for 10 juvenile justice programs located in urban, suburban, and rural areas in all parts of the United States.
Abstract
The national survey from which these programs were selected involved responses from 69 of 145 State and county juvenile justice administrators; however, only 10 of the programs represented in these 69 responses had performed valid research and outcome studies. The 10 programs selected for inclusion in this chapter conducted systematic research with outcome measures, including recidivism data 12 months to 36 months after completing the program. These model programs were judged to have demonstrated their effectiveness by operationally defining recidivism in terms of rearrest rates, technical probation or court order violations, or new adjudications. When the model programs were compared with traditional institutional programs, recidivism rates were significantly lower for those who completed the programs. For each of the programs, a table presents information on the program's location, goals, treatment components, duration, target population, outcome (recidivism), and sample size. Information is current as of April 2003. Among the goals of the various programs are vocational training, improved academic performance, behavioral management, positive socialization, restitution, community reintegration, mental health services, and drug treatment. The 10 programs had many positive features in common, including lower recidivism rates 12 months after treatment completion and evidence of the acquisition of improved reading and math levels, positive socialization, and enhanced social skills. 4 tables