Faye Taxman
University Professor of Criminology, Law and Society, George Mason University
Key Findings
- Probation and parole case managers who receive training and peer coaching show a pattern of reduced recidivism.
Description
This study examined the influence of implementing evidence-based practices in juvenile assessment, treatment planning and placement. The authors randomly assigned probation and parole case managers at a state juvenile justice agency – four offices did not receive training while the other eight offices took part in an initial training and two follow-up sessions on research-based supervision practices. In four of the eight offices that received training, peer coaches provided additional support for practice implementation. The authors followed-up with two cohorts of 1,518 youth over the course of 12 months and determined case managers supervised in enhanced sites showed a pattern of reduced recidivism compared to those in the standard and control sites.