Summary
"This paper provides a meta-analytical synthesis of the existing literature on the
effectiveness of treating youth in conflict with the law. The data were aggregated from
studies directly measuring the effect of treatment on recidivism and other key outcomes
using control/comparison groups. The results provide direction to key decision-makers,
program developers and program funders based on the accumulation of knowledge from
almost 200 treatment programs dealing directly with youth engaged in criminal
behaviour. In general, providing treatment to youth in conflict with the law does have an
impact on the likelihood of future criminal behaviour. The findings suggest, however,
that various issues surrounding the program (e.g., integrity, dosage and targets) and its
clients (e.g., age and risk) substantially affect its therapeutic potential.
"--Page i.
Contents
1. Introduction -- 2. Method -- 2.1. Design: meta-analysis -- 2.2. Sample: study identification criteria -- 2.3. Data extraction: coding procedures -- 2.4. Data analysis: effect size calculations -- 3. Results -- 3.1. Number of unique outcomes -- 3.2. Study characteristics -- 3.3. Participant characteristics -- 3.4. Program characteristics -- 3.5. Recidivism -- 3.5.1. Intervention form -- 3.5.2. Treatment targets -- 3.5.3. Treatment length and dosage -- 3.5.4. Treatment setting -- 3.5.5. Program integrity -- 3.5.6. Age of participants -- 3.5.7. Other demographic moderators -- 3.5.8. Additional program participants --
3.6. Alternative outcomes --
3.6.1. Academic performance/attendance --
3.6.2. Psychological well-being --
3.6.3. Substance abuse --
3.6.4. Employment gains --
3.6.5. Anti-social peer involvement --
3.6.6. Anti-social attitudes --
3.6.7. Anger management --
3.6.8. Social skills --
3.6.9. Cognitive skills --
3.6.10. Family Functioning --
4. Recommendations for a Successful Program --
4.1. Recidivism --
4.2. Alternative outcomes --
5. Conclusion --
5.1. Future research --
References.