Effectiveness of COPY Intervention Program for First Time Youth Offenders

• In Event: Predictors of Juvenile Reoffending

Abstract

Studies on the development of youth violence suggest that once youth are involved in committing lower-level violent offenses, they are likely to escalate into more serious offenses (Loeber & Stouthamer-Loeber, 1998). This study examines short term outcomes of first time youth offenders referred to the Call Out Program for Youth (COPY), an intervention that aims to reduce the incidence of youth violence by connecting youth who show early signs of a pathway into violence with evidence-based intervention services. A preliminary proof of concept implementation by local authorities showed that youth who engaged in service provision (61% of referrals) yielded a 0% recidivism rate compared to those who did not engage in services (26%). This study will be the first systematic investigation of outcomes from COPY. We will apply a naturalistic, prospective design via data from survey assessments and routine clinical practice to a sample of approximately 25 youth. Data will also be analyzed on re-arrests using nonparametric and event history analytic methods to determine program success. This study will determine whether engagement in COPY serves as an effective treatment. Further, it will examine other variables of intervention which might aid in supporting positive change among first time youth offenders.

Authors

• Joanna Kubik, Rutgers University

• Meagan Docherty, Arizona State University

• Paul Boxer, Rutgers University