NCJ Number
235363
Journal
Crime & Delinquency Volume: 54 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2008 Pages: 193-224
Date Published
April 2008
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This article presents research on an experimental probation program for juveniles.
Abstract
In an effort to provide a wider range of services to youth and their families than is traditionally available in routine probation, the South Oxnard Challenge Project (SOCP) employed a team approach to service delivery of an intensive probation program. The researchers interviewed juveniles who were randomly assigned to either the SOCP experimental condition or the control condition of a routine probation program. The intensive probation program, among other goals, focused on improving parent-child relationships and teaching youth how to choose better peers. At 1 year post random assignment, experimental and control youth were not significantly different on key family or peer relationship measures. Level of program intensity, implementation issues, and other problems inherent in doing this type of research are provided as possible explanations for the lack of differences. These null findings are examined in light of the recent movement toward parental involvement legislation. (Published Abstract)