Best Practices in Mentoring: Examining the Effectiveness of Mentoring on Reducing Recidivism

• In Event: Methods to Reduce Juvenile Recidivism: Mentoring, Restorative Justice, and Professional Discourse

Abstract

To date, the research on mentoring programs is quite limited in considering youth recidivism and risk level. The literature that has addressed the role of risk level has been mixed. Some research suggests that youth who are not yet involved with the justice system may benefit most from mentoring, while other work has suggested that youth who have had contact with the juvenile justice system, and therefore are higher risk, benefit more from being matched with a mentor. This study examines risk level and recidivism for probation and parole youth who received mentoring services through juvenile court in a Midwestern state. These youth were matched with similar youth who did not receive mentoring services. The analysis focuses on the effectiveness of mentoring in reducing recidivism and also considers the degree to which it is conditioned by risk level.

Authors

• Stephanie A. Duriez, University of Cincinnati

• Carrie Sullivan, University of Cincinnati

• Christopher Sullivan, University of Cincinnati