NCJ Number
161459
Date Published
1995
Length
54 pages
Annotation
This study used an experimental research design that involved 45 randomly selected control-group youths and 88 experimental-group youths to test the effectiveness of the Utah Juvenile Court's intensive juvenile probation program.
Abstract
The principal elements of the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) were increased amounts of contact with youth, required participation in a home confinement program, random testing for substance use, required compliance with prescribed treatment programs, and participation in an electronic monitoring program for selected youths. The dependent variables measured were the length of probation supervision, the cost of probation supervision, and recidivism. The ISP achieved a significant reduction in the length of probation supervision, was cost- effective, and produced a modest reduction (58 to 48 percent) in the percentage of youths rearrested for known felony and misdemeanor offenses compared to the control group on regular probation. The report recommends that the ISP become a more "balanced" blend of surveillance and treatment programming. Specifically, more alcohol and drug treatment should be offered, along with parenting skills training and parent/child communication. It further recommends that the probation staff develop and implement both risk- and needs-assessment instruments to better identify treatment needs, as well as which youths belong in the ISP. 6 tables, 17 references, and appended information on participant attitudes toward ISP and the survey questionnaire