Evidence-Based Practices

Researchers have become more sophisticated and accurate in understanding factors that contribute to, prevent, or intervene effectively in youth delinquency. These factors are called criminogenic risks, which means characteristics, events, or behaviors that “produce or tend to produce crimes or criminality.”

The juvenile justice system makes the biggest impact on recidivism when it assesses a youth and focuses supervision on three principles:

• Risk
• Need
• Responsivity

Risk Principle
Match service level to risk level. Higher risk offenders receive more treatment.

Need Principle
Target interventions on factors related to a youth's offenses.

Responsivity Principle
Deliver interventions in a way that incorporates a youth's individual learning style.

Evidence
In addition to the research into how best to impact delinquent youth behavior, there is growing evidence about the effectiveness of specific programs and interventions.

Listed below are Supporting Documents and Links to established evidence-based resources.