NCJ Number
198958
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2003 Pages: 114-137
Date Published
February 2003
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This article discusses evidence-based principles and how they can be applied to reduce recidivism among juvenile offenders in the community.
Abstract
An enormous amount of evidence about predictors, patterns, and pathways of serious juvenile offending has been amassed over the past years. Many programs have been developed and implemented with the goal of reducing violence risk in young offenders. Few of these programs have been based on research knowledge or have been evaluated for effectiveness. The choices of programs are more important than ever due to increasing economic and policy pressures. The evidence-based principles for risk management with juvenile offenders are to conduct systematic assessment of risk and needs; apply intensive resources selectively in high-risk cases; choose criminogenic targets for intervention; and implement, follow up, and modify interventions. About two thirds of serious, chronic juvenile offenders re-offend over the course of a year. It is possible to manage most of these cases in the community with success rates that are as good or better than institutional confinement. The key is to assess the offender’s risks, needs, and strengths; to choose treatment targets that are related to offense risk; and apply proven interventions to address those problems. Interventions that are theoretically grounded and use cognitive behavioral methods are especially important. Intensive intervention, both monitoring and treatment, should be reserved for the highest risk cases. 2 tables, 3 notes, 105 references