Community-Based Interventions for Court-Involved Youth: Investigating Components of Effective Programming

• In Event: Posters I

Abstract

The current literature surrounding juvenile delinquency has identified community involvement and mentorship as effective strategies in reducing delinquent behaviors amongst court-involved youth. Although research has progressed in identifying components of these strategies, few programs have been evaluated in order to provide a holistic model of implementation for practitioners. Youth Advancement Through Athletics (YATA) is a multifaceted youth development program, which combines components of mentorship, community-outreach, career-driven activities, and athletics and is designed to improve the outcomes of court-involved youth. This study, through a systematic review of literature surrounding community-based programs for court-involved adolescents, seeks to evaluate the efficacy of YATA’s program design by identify the components of community-based programming that are the most effective in reducing risk for recidivism, improving academic achievement, and increasing attendance among juvenile offenders. Thus far, there is limited research exploring community-based interventions for court-involved youth. In order to rehabilitate youth, promote community well-being, and use resources efficiently, it is essential that research be conducted surrounding the efficacy and appropriate structure of youth programming.

Authors

• Kayla Hoskins, Michigan State University

• Marva Vernelle Goodson, Michigan State University

• Erica Dalzell, Michigan State University