NCJ Number
241484
Journal
Bench & Bar Volume: 77 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2013 Pages: 11-15
Date Published
January 2013
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper cites evidence-based practices in juvenile justice that have proven to be cost-effective in many States.
Abstract
Three policies have been proven by research to reduce costs and increase effectiveness (less reoffending) when put into practice in a State's local juvenile justice systems. First, juvenile incarceration and residential placement are expensive and may increase crime. In one large sample that spanned 9 years and 20 States, there was no correlation between juvenile incarceration rates and violent and property crime rates. One study even found that incarceration increased reoffending and was no more effective than probation or community services in preventing reoffending. Second, the risk principle maintains that supervision and treatment should be correlated with the risk for reoffending. The risk principle reasons that the government should supervise and treat those who are most likely to reoffend. Those who are least likely to reoffend should receive less, and possibly no supervision and treatment. Third, accurate and valid risk-assessment instruments have proven to be the foundation for cost-effective correctional intervention. In putting these three principles into practice, many States have provided incentives for local governments to keep kids in the community and minimize incarceration; for example, between 1993 and 2005, Ohio juvenile courts received an annual allocation from the State for providing local community-based treatment, which was reduced when a child was placed in detention or a residential facility in the community. Since 2005, the formula has changed to be based on a 4-year average of juvenile felony adjudications. Cost-effective juvenile justice reforms are described for Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and California. 1 figure and 68 notes