According to the seminal meta-analysis by Lipsey (2009) that examined the primary factors that characterize effective interventions with juvenile offenders, the most effective interventions are therapeutic and of high quality, and serve youth of the highest risk level, including whether they have prior law violations, have a history of aggressive behaviors, and/or come from a high-risk environment.
According to JJI’s recent analysis of School Interventionist programs, while a small percentage referred had prior law violations, more youth had aggressive behavior and came from a high-risk environment. Please visit our website to read the full report and view data by individual program.
Reference: Lipsey (2009). The primary factors that characterize effective interventions with juvenile offenders: A meta-analytic overview. Victims & Offenders, 4, 124-147