Family Integrated Transitions: A Promising Program for Juvenile Offenders with Co-Occurring Disorders

• NCJ Number: 236991
• Journal: Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 20 Issue: 5 Dated: November-December 2011 Pages: 421-436
• Author(s): Eric J. Trupin; Suzanne E.U. Kerns; Sarah Cusworth Walker; Megan T. DeRobertis; David G. Stewart
• Date Published: November 2011
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): 5 R21 DA 13275-03
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: CrimeSolutions Program ID #271

Annotation

This study evaluated the impact of the Family Integrated Transitions (FIT) program on juvenile recidivism.

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of the Family Integrated Transitions (FIT) program on juvenile recidivism. FIT is a family-based intervention for youths with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders transitioning to home from incarceration. The study used administrative data to compare 36-month recidivism rates for youths receiving FIT (N = 105) versus usual care (N = 169). Participation in FIT was associated with a 30 percent reduction in felony recidivism, but not related to overall, violent felony, or misdemeanor recidivism. This study provides cautious evidence for a promising approach toward reducing felony recidivism for youths with co-occurring disorders transitioning out of the juvenile justice system. (Published Abstract)