Evidence-based practices
Programs and services of demonstrated effectiveness in improving behavior
Now more than ever before, research is helping to establish approaches and programs that effectively change delinquent behavior, lower recidivism and help young people succeed. Rigorously studied evidence-based programs like Multisystemic Therapy and Family Functional Therapy have been found to produce consistently better results than traditional juvenile justice interventions. Research supports other programs and services that show promise in improving behavior and emotional functioning. But many juvenile justice systems struggle to put these proven and scientifically supported approaches into practice.
Models for Change is working throughout the initiative to develop a continuum of approaches and programs known to be effective at protecting communities and helping youth. Louisiana has selected the issue as a targeted area of improvement and is working to increase the availability of scientifically supported community-level interventions and screening practices to divert youth to those interventions.
By expanding the availability of evidence-based and research-supported interventions, and rigorously documenting the effectiveness of those approaches, Models for Change is helping to develop model systems that rely on the most effective approaches to promote community safety and youth development.
Reform Progress
- Landmark Study Offers Glimpse at Previously Ignored Youth Population
- Jan 27, 2012, Washington State Models for Change
- Latino Youth “Virtually Invisible” in the Illinois Juvenile Justice System Report Calls for Collecting Accurate Information
- Dec 16, 2011, Illinois Models for Change
- Illinois Report Recommends Extensive Changes to Reverse Juvenile Recidivism Trend
- Dec 16, 2011, Illinois Models for Change
More Reform Progress Items »
Newsroom
- Department of Justice, MacArthur Foundation Provide $2 Million to Support Juvenile Justice Reform
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1/26/2012
- by Department of Justice, MacArthur Foundation
- Editorial: Non-Violent Juveniles Should not be Locked Up
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1/3/2012
by Chicago Sun-Times
- New Illinois Law Will Require Judges To Consider Sentencing Juvenile Offenders To Treatment In Their Communities
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12/20/2011
by Juvenile Justice Initiative
More News Items »
Publications
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Knowledge Brief: How Can We Know If Juvenile Justice Reforms Are Worth the Cost?
- With governments at every level facing grim budget forecasts, policymakers…
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Knowledge Brief: Is There a Link between Child Welfare and Disproportionate Minority Contact in Juvenile Justice?
- African-American children are represented in foster care and other child…
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Knowledge Brief: Can Risk Assessment Improve Juvenile Justice Practices?
- A growing number of juvenile justice experts are suggesting a new,…
More publications »
Contacts
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Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps
- (617) 227-4183
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Pa Commission on Crime and Delinquency
- (717) 705-0888
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Pa Council of Chief Juvenile Probation Officers
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Juvenile Court Judges' Commission
- (717) 787-6910
More related contacts »