Community Treatment Programs for Juveniles: A Best-Evidence Summary

• Published in: International journal of behavioral and consultation therapy Vol. 2; no. 2; pp. 286 - 304
• Main Authors: Underwood, Lee A, von Dresner, Kara Sandor, Phillips, Annie L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Joseph D. Cautilli 2006; Joseph Cautilli, Ph
• Subjects: Behavior Modification; Cognitive Restructuring; Community Programs; Community Services; Correctional Institutions; Delinquency; Environmental Influences; Evidence Based Practice; Family Environment; Family Influence; Feedback (Response); Foster Care; Human; Institutionalized Persons; Intervention; Juvenile Delinquency; Juvenile Justice; Minority Groups; Motivation; Outcomes of Treatment; Positive Reinforcement; Program Effectiveness; Program Evaluation; Rehabilitation; Skill Development; Transitional Programs; treatment; Community programs; evidence-based programs; juvenile justice; delinquents
• ISSN: 1555-7855; 1555-7855
• DOI: 10.1037/h0100783

A significant challenge facing the juvenile justice system is the task of transitioning and reintegrating juveniles from youth corrections facilities back into the community. This challenge, in part, is related to determining whether the referred community programs are effective. This article summarizes the literature on the effectiveness of community programs for juveniles involved in the justice system, including defining characteristics of evidence-based programs and examining the relationship between youth characteristics and evidence-based practices. Model evidence-based programs are reviewed, providing a description of respective programs, treatment targets, and their outcomes. Limitations of evidence-based programs will be discussed and recommendations for the field will be summarized.