NCJ Number
100532
Date Published
1985
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The Boston Violent Offender Project was designed to reduce recidivism among violent juveniles, enhance public protection, and improve the likelihood of successful community reintegration. Program components are described and program success evaluated.
Abstract
The program has three components: a coordinated, three-phase treatment program including (1) comprehensive assessment and initial placement in a secure treatment facility, planned transition into a halfway house, and gradual return to the community; (2) intensive and comprehensive casework with juveniles and their families; and (3) a focus on increasing juveniles' educational and vocational skills. Since 1981, half of the approximately 30 violent juvenile offenders admitted annually have been assigned to the program. The other half were assigned to a control program of secure treatment and normal aftercare programming. To date, all program participants have been released to a community residential program, as compared to 42 percent of controls. In addition, 79 percent found unsubsidized employment (as compared to 29 percent of controls), and 75 percent continued in an educational program (compared to 46 percent of controls) after release. Finally, only a third of participants has been rearrested, a substantial decrease in the generally high recidivism found among this high-risk group.