Vocational Programming in the Juvenile Justice System: What Do We Know?

• In Event: Poster Session 2

Abstract

Despite advances in the knowledge of the effect of vocational programming in the adult prison system (e.g. Nur & Nguyen 2023), there remains a dearth of knowledge about vocational programming in the juvenile justice system. These programs come in many different shapes and forms and service different types of youth in the juvenile justice system. In this scoping review, I focus on evaluations of evidence-based programs with vocational components in the juvenile justice system. There is yet to be a summative review of what types of programs exist, who they service, what outcomes are measured, and the overall effects. Additionally, I discuss potential policy implications and directions for future research such as innovations in research design and methodology. This review provides a much-needed summary of the current state of vocational programming in the juvenile justice system and the challenges in evaluation of these programs such as treatment heterogeneity and program stacking. Once we understand the state of the evidence, we can take steps towards more rigorous evaluation and methodology to properly evaluate these juvenile justice system vocational programs.

Author

• Robert Geibler, University of Texas at Dallas