NCJ Number
152709
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 45 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1994) Pages: 142-150
Date Published
1994
Length
9 pages
Annotation
An evaluation of the Student Transition Education and Employment Program (STEEP) indicates that it is effective in decreasing recidivism rates for previously incarcerated youths and that it enhances youth education and employment opportunities.
Abstract
STEEP is the product of a collaborative effort by the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries, Department of Youth Services. In addition to the overall goal of reducing youth recidivism, program objectives are to deliver effective aftercare services in a cost-effective way, enable youths to complete their high school education or obtain a GED, and help youths give something back to the community through rehabilitating local housing. STEEP was evaluated using a data collection instrument to obtain demographic information on program participants and an outcome study based on interviews with youths over time. The target population for the evaluation was comprised of all youths entering STEEP between September 1990 and January 1, 1992. In general, most youths came from multiproblem families. Eight were committed on a first-degree felony, eight on a second-degree felony, 28 on a third-degree felony, and 12 on a fourth-degree felony. For 44 youths in the community 12 months or more, 15 (34.1 percent) recidivated within the first 12 months of release. Of 12 youths out less than 12 months, 4 (33.3 percent) recidivated. When new juvenile offenses only were tracked for 12 months, the recidivism rate was 31.8 percent for the 44 youths in the community for 12 months or longer. Of 26 youths in the community for 18 months or longer, 11 (42.3 percent) had a new juvenile and/or adult offense. STEEP youths generally had lower recidivism rates than those found in other studies. Program youths were less apt to recidivate to the juvenile justice system than their counterparts who received traditional aftercare services. Further, many youths learned skills that could be used in finding employment. Where STEEP seemed to fail was in the area of adult corrections. About 27 percent of STEEP youths had subsequent adult arraignments, some of which resulted in jail time. This finding suggested the need to continue STEEP as youths got older. Interviews revealed that program participants expected to improve their job skills and job opportunities after completing the program. Overall, participants improved their skills but still needed job placements and opportunities. 12 references, 7 endnotes, and 4 tables