The Effects of Juvenile System Processing on Subsequent Delinquency Outcomes

Abstract

This chapter summarizes nearly 30 randomized controlled trials (as reported through 2008) that collectively provide evidence on the effectiveness of alternative methods for handling juveniles using meta-analytic techniques. It first discusses the theoretical and empirical literature on the impact of juvenile criminal justice processing on subsequent juvenile criminal behavior. The chapter also discusses the policy question of interest. Next, the chapter discusses how the research team systematically gathered and analyzed reports of randomized trials that tested the efficacy of justice-processing on subsequent juvenile outcomes. The results of this meta-analysis and the implications for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners are then explained.