Managing At-Risk Juvenile Offenders in the Community

Abstract

More than a half-million juveniles are under community supervision as a result of violent or delinquent behavior. Research has shown that treatment can reduce their risk of reoffending. This article reviews and distills the key lessons from hundreds of empirical studies and metaanalyses and applies them to practice. The author argues for conducting systematic and developmentally informed risk assessments, selectively assigning intensive intervention to the highest risk offenders, focusing on criminogenic treatment targets, using proven interventions and treatment strategies, and applying rigor in implementation and follow-up.