Assessing for Differential Effects in Targeted RECLAIM: A Moderator Analysis of Treatment Type on Recidivism

• In Event: Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Strategies: Evaluating the Targeted RECLAIM Program in Ohio

Abstract

It is the responsibility of the government to implement justice policies that reduce crime (Clear, 2011). Therefore, in order to make more informed decisions, policy makers need empirical research that evaluates the effectiveness of these strategies in reducing recidivism. Section III describes the various community-based treatment services that are offered to offenders through Targeted RECLAIM funds in Ohio (e.g., Thinking for a Change, Aggression Replacement Training, Multisystemic Therapy, etc.). For evaluation purposes, these services are grouped into three general types: residential programs, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) programs in the community, and family interventions. This study then compares the incarceration rates of the Targeted RECLAIM participants in each treatment group to those from a matched set of Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) offenders to determine if the mode of treatment has a differential effect on recidivism. This evaluation also examines the influence that offender risk level has on recidivism within each of the treatment categories. Finally, several recommendations are made for future evaluations of Targeted RECLAIM.

Authors

• Ryan M. Labrecque, University of Cincinnati

• Myrinda Schweitzer, University of Cincinnati

• Kelsey L. Mattick, University of Cincinnati

• Edward Latessa, University of Cincinnati