NCJ Number
140415
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 36 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1992) Pages: 349-358
Date Published
1992
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed recidivism rates for 55 male youth placed in a State juvenile correctional facility in Wales (Wisconsin) who completed the Intensive Treatment Program for juvenile delinquents judged as having the most severe psychological and behavioral problems.
Abstract
The 55 subjects had been incarcerated for over 6 months before being placed in the Intensive Treatment Unit. This unit has a specialized 11-bed program for youth with severe psychological dysfunction, behavioral problems, and significant problems with aggression. The program includes psychiatric services as needed, psychological services, educational services, counseling, negative consequences, a cognitive-behavioral component, family therapy, group therapy, and an independent living component. A 2-year followup of 55 youth in this unit found that 19 (35 percent) were reincarcerated in a State correctional facility, 1 (2 percent) was involuntarily placed in a State mental health institute after being found not guilty by reason of mental disease, 17 (31 percent) had no further convictions or placements of any sort, and 18 (33 percent) were convicted of another crime but were not placed in a State correctional facility. Of the 18 youth who were convicted or admitted to another crime, 8 (44 percent) received a sentence in a county jail and 10 (56 percent) received probation or no further supervision or placement of any kind. Results indicated that, of youth who successfully completed intensive treatment, about 50 percent were not reincarcerated. The strong ecological approach, combined with cognitive behavioral training, individualized contracts, and family therapy, was deemed successful. 14 references and 3 tables