Examining effective interventions for deep-end youth in the juvenile justice system

While much is known regarding effective interventions for low-level juvenile delinquency, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding elements that are successful in helping more serious youthful offenders. Life-Course theory provides a basis for various ecological approaches. Program elements utilized for offenders of a less serious nature have been shown effective, many stemming from the ecological approach. This study was intended to assess the effect of taking those interventions proven effective for lower-level offenders and appraise whether they are still effective elements when applied to more serious youth in Juvenile Day Reporting Centers in New Jersey. Intervention performance was assessed, and youth experiencing programs showed no significant differences in odds of reoffending or of violating their parole. Also, there was no difference in community tenure. Some interesting differences were found in offense type selection for youth who recidivated after the test period.Ph. D.Includes bibliographical referencesIncludes vitaby Ellen Patricia McCan