Targeted Program Efforts

• NCJ Number: 185962
• Author(s): Kristi Lahti-Johnson; Diane Telling-Rodriguez; Leena Augimeri; Greg Owen
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 5 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Regents of the University of Minnesota
• Sale Source: Regents of the University of Minnesota
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Proceedings of workshop, “Delinquents Under 10 -- Targeting the Young Offender,” September 30-October 2, 1999; for other proceedings, see NCJ-185959.

Annotation

Three of the four panelists describe programs that currently provide targeted intervention services for very young offenders, and the fourth panelist provides an evaluation of targeted intervention programs and suggests several ways of ensuring program effectiveness.

Abstract

The Hennepin County (Minnesota) Targeted Early Intervention Program (TEIP) focuses on very young offenders whose risk assessment shows the presence of 26 or more risk factors. The components of TEIP's service model are listed. The program aims at long-term outcomes, integrated service delivery, the use of community-based agencies to work directly with the child, and the creation of an individual support network for the child. The program's future challenges and needs are outlined. The Sacramento County Community Intervention Program (California) aims to reduce costs and improve outcomes for those children and their families who have been identified as presenting the highest risk of committing serious crimes. The program's specific goals are to reduce institutionalization of young offenders with multiple risk factors, reduce the frequency and severity of criminal behavior, allow the child to remain at home, improve school attendance and outcomes, maintain stable housing and economic supports, improve health and mental health outcomes, and reduce long-term costs. Program components are listed, along with the program's future challenges. Toronto's Under 12 Outreach Program (ORP) is designed to serve boys under the age of 12 who have engaged in delinquent behavior. ORP uses a social learning and behavioral systems treatment intervention approach designed to prevent further police contact. Evaluations show that the program has improved participants' behavior compared to similarly-situated nonparticipants. Suggestions for targeted intervention programs include the articulation of clear and realistic program goals, the provision of a positive role model for each child, a focus on school achievement, provision of a variety of alternative activities, and an initial focus on effective program implementation. Outcomes should be assessed both in terms of the age of the children involved and the tenure of the program; measured outcomes should match the expectations of the program's policy and funding constituents. Questions and discussion are summarized.