Preventing Juvenile Transitions to Adult Crime: A Pilot Study of Probation Interventions for Older, High-Risk Juvenile Delinquents

Abstract

This pilot study compared the recidivism risks of older, high-risk juvenile probationers exposed or unexposed to an experimental case-management intervention to further the development of a supportive community intervention. The experimental intervention targeted unmet basic needs before and after the exposed group aged out of the juvenile justice system to prevent transition to adult crime. A prospective-cohort design compared the recidivism risks of the intervention group ( n = 29) with a randomly selected comparison group ( n = 114) stratified by gender, race, and risks/needs. We followed both groups for 3 years after members turned 18. The results of this pilot study showed no effects on recidivism risks, but statistically significant effects on the timing to recidivism for the group exposed to an innovative intervention. The study also revealed that the intervention was able to recruit and maintain the probationers and members of their family for the duration of the intervention.