Using Civil Representation To Reduce Delinquency Among Troubled Youth

• NCJ Number: 222770
• Journal: Evaluation Review Volume: 28 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2004 Pages: 201-217
• Author(s): Stefan C. Norrbin; David W. Rasmussen; Damian M. Von-Frank
• Date Published: June 2004
• Length: 17 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Jessie Ball duPont Fund
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article presents the evaluation methodology (incidental truncation model) and findings for two of Florida's Team Child programs, which are designed to provide civil legal representation for troubled delinquent youth in order to improve their access to education programs, mental health services, and family services.

Abstract

The evaluation found that the 65 Team Child clients did not have a significantly lower reoffending rate (60 percent) than the control group (n=111) during at least 180-days after program intervention; however, the Team Child clients had a 10.7-percent reduction in their arrest rate after treatment, which was approximately a 0.18 reduction in the annual arrest rate compared to those who did not receive Team Child services (control group). The evaluation concluded that given the high-risk factors present in the Team Child clients, it is not surprising that they continued to offend even after program participation. The policy issue to be addressed was whether programs like Team Child, which is designed to impact clients multiple needs are more cost effective than long-term incarceration that does not address those conditions that at least partly account for their delinquent behavior. All Team Child clients from the two counties involved in the evaluation (Leon and Gadsden) completed intake forms that revealed they needed legal representation for a variety of civil issues, such as dependency; educational discipline, placement, and services; access to dental, mental, and physical health care services; and aid in getting Supplemental Social Insurance (SSI) and Medicaid. All of the clients selected for the treatment group had received substantive services as a result of civil legal action on their behalf. The control group consisted of youth who were selected for Team Child but did not receive the threshold level of treatment services. 7 tables, 22 notes, and 14 references