Evaluation of Intervention Services for Gang-Involved Youth

OJJDP's Field Initiated Research and Evaluation (FIRE) Program funds research and evaluation that address how the juvenile justice system responds to juvenile delinquency. Funded research projects seek answers to questions that will inform policy and suggest ways to enhance the juvenile justice system. As set forth in the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended (Pub. L. No. 93-415, 42 U.S.C. § 5601 et seq.), OJJDP may conduct research or evaluation in juvenile justice matters, for the purpose of providing research and evaluation relating to control of juvenile delinquency and serious crime committed by juveniles; successful efforts to prevent first-time minor offenders from committing subsequent involvement in serious crime; successful efforts to prevent recidivism; and the juvenile justice system. This program is authorized pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 3796ee et seq.

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of "real world" delivery of Multisystemic Therapy (MST) to a multi state sample of 100 youth who are involved in gang activity and 100 youth who are not involved in gang activity (and their caretakers). Data will be collected at MST intake, at MST discharge, 3-6 months post discharge and again at 12 month post MST treatment discharge. Data elements include socio-demographic factors, youth self-control, youth violent victimization, delinquent peer associations, delinquency, school commitment/positive academic attitudes, and parental monitoring. For gang involved youth information on how gang activity was addressed during treatment will be collected and the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) assessment battery will be used. The results of this study may help to demonstrate the efficacy of MST specific to gang involved youth.
CA/NCF