NCJ Number
163314
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1995) Pages: 53-58
Date Published
1995
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This analysis of juvenile treatment models and their outcomes concludes that better research designs are needed to further enhance program effectiveness.
Abstract
Programs for youth include community outpatient clinics, foster care, group care, residential care, and institutional care. Programs try to demonstrate the outcome of their interventions, but appropriate research tools for measuring clinical practice do not always exist. Few treatments for children and youth are well tested. Different methods are needed to measure child and youth outcomes. Programs should keep a standard data set. Studies are needed that use control groups. Evaluations should examine both client and program factors. Future research should also determine what type of youth benefit from particular treatment models. Programs should scrutinize the aftercare planning, especially during the first 6-month time period. The continued research is needed both to increase the possibilities for program success and to document program weaknesses. 24 references