NCJ Number
152895
Date Published
1994
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This booklet describes two outstanding intensive home-based service programs designed for serious, chronic, and, in some instances, violent juvenile offenders.
Abstract
The findings from the programs show that carefully targeted and well-managed home-based services can be a viable alternative to costly institutional care without sacrificing public safety. One of the programs, the Multisystemic Treatment Approach implemented in South Carolina and Missouri, has been subjected to a rigorous evaluation funded by the Federal Government. The results are promising and provide some of the empirical evidence that juvenile justice professionals need to convince policymakers of the value of community-based efforts. The Tarrant County Advocate Program (T-CAP) in Fort Worth, Texas, is operated by Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. The program serves delinquent youths and their families in one of the city's most troubled and gang-infested areas. T-CAP workers build on the strengths of youth and families, provide intensive wrap-around services, and try to connect youth and families with other resources in the community. Although T-CAP has not been rigorously evaluated like the Multisystemic Treatment Approach, data reported by Youth Advocate Programs, Inc., are encouraging. 14 references