NCJ Number
164464
Journal
Psychology, Crime & Law Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (1994) Pages: 193-199
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Following an overview of the "nothing works" philosophy with respect to rehabilitating young offenders, the argument is advanced that meta-analyses have led to a rejection of the idea that nothing works and have begun to define what works.
Abstract
Meta-analyses have suggested which young offenders are most likely to benefit from rehabilitation programs and what types of programs are most likely to be successful. These analyses suggest that the design of successful rehabilitation programs for young offenders involves the selection of suitable offenders, program integrity, an empowering organizational structure, and staff training. Meta-analysis studies are briefly described, factors characterizing intervention programs that reduce criminal behavior are noted, and client and treatment integrity issues in juvenile rehabilitation are discussed. The author concludes that rehabilitation is best delivered to high-risk groups, that is, offenders whose histories of offending strongly indicate they are highly likely to reoffend in the future. 29 references