NCJ Number
223493
Journal
Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: July 2008 Pages: 295-318
Date Published
July 2008
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This study examined preliminary process and outcome indicators of a unique juvenile offender reentry program compared to similar youth not receiving reentry services; service delivery, as well as intermediate outcome measures and short-term recidivism outcomes were examined.
Abstract
Juvenile offenders in this offender reentry program were significantly less likely to test positive for drugs, and reentry participants also appeared to experience improvements in their level of risks and needs as measured by the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CNI). Multivariate statistical analyses controlling for initial group differences generally revealed that reentry participants experienced marginally lower risks of recidivism post-referral and that they tended to survive somewhat longer until their first reoffense. The findings demonstrated that the program was delivered as intended, successfully created intermediate change in participants, and was modestly effective in reducing recidivism likelihood and increasing time to recidivism. This evaluative study included youth referred to a reentry services program operating in a mostly rural, midwestern county. The program targets youth determined to be at risk based on factors such as prior offending/adjustment history, family circumstances that may make transition difficult, and time in out-of-home placement. The program began operation in 2003, and has two transitional coordinators or TCs each assigned a specific caseload of 10 to 12 youths. The study attempted to address some of the outstanding issues as part of a comprehensive process and preliminary outcome evaluation of this aftercare program for youthful offenders. Tables, figure, notes, and references