Aftercare programs for reducing redivism among juvenile and young adult offenders: a meta-analytic review

C. James, G.J.J.M. Stams, J.J. Asscher, A.K. de Roo, P.H. van der Laan

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The aim of this meta-analytic study, including 22 studies and 5764 participants, was to examine the effects of aftercare programs on recidivism in juvenile and young adult offenders released from correctional institutions. The studies had to be (quasi-)experimental, with the control group receiving 'care as usual' or no treatment. Recidivism was measured by re-arrests and/or reconvictions and was based on official reports. Although the overall effect size for aftercare programs was generally small (d=.12), moderator analyses indicated more substantial effects and showed that aftercare is most effective if it is well-implemented and consists of individual instead of group treatment, and if it is aimed at older and high-risk youth. Whereas the treatment duration and moment of starting the aftercare program were not related to the program's effectiveness, more intensive aftercare programs were associated with lower recidivism rates. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)263-274
JournalClinical Psychology Review
Volume33
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Aftercare programs for reducing redivism among juvenile and young adult offenders: a meta-analytic review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this