Evaluation II: Risk outcomes from a specialized treatment and management program for youth who commit sexual crimes

ABSTRACT

Few studies have systematically evaluated holistic treatment and management programs for youth with sexually problematic behaviors. In partnership with the Lucas County Juvenile Court in Northwest Ohio, and using the Ohio Youth Assessment System (OYAS), this study evaluates changes in criminogenic risk factors for youth adjudicated of a sexual crime (N = 234) who received specialized holistic programming. Hierarchical linear models revealed support for the program as evidenced by reduction in risk domains related to prosocial skills, criminal values, beliefs, and attitudes, and overall OYAS risk. Policy implications are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Community-based rehabilitation
• juvenile offenders
• offender rehabilitation
• quantitative research
• sex offenders