NOTE: Reports (where linked) can be downloaded in PDF and require Adobe Acrobat Reader. Access to published articles may require a subscription to the publication.

First Count to Ten: Innovation and Implementation in Juvenile Reintegration Programs
Federal Probation, 68:Vol 2 109-127

Link to Publication

Researcher(s): (Douglas Young)

(2004)

In the rush to show findings on outcomes, planners and developers of new programs often overlook the crucial interim step of conducting process evaluations. Both published and anecdotal information suggest that poor program outcomes are more likely to stem from planning and implementation problems than weaknesses in the intervention model. This paper presents findings from an ongoing process evaluation of an intensive aftercare program for high risk juvenile offenders, highlighting issues and barriers that are commonly faced in implementing juvenile reintegration initiatives. Results are interpreted within a framework derived from research on organizational change. Our local findings are used to illustrate the central role of factors such as organizational mission, culture, and staff and system resources in advancing implementation of reentry innovations in juvenile justice settings.