Evidence-based practices
Programs and services of demonstrated effectiveness in improving behavior
Now more than ever before, research is helping to establish approaches and programs that effectively change delinquent behavior, lower recidivism and help young people succeed. Rigorously studied evidence-based programs like Multisystemic Therapy and Family Functional Therapy have been found to produce consistently better results than traditional juvenile justice interventions. Research supports other programs and services that show promise in improving behavior and emotional functioning. But many juvenile justice systems struggle to put these proven and scientifically supported approaches into practice.
Models for Change is working throughout the initiative to develop a continuum of approaches and programs known to be effective at protecting communities and helping youth. Louisiana has selected the issue as a targeted area of improvement and is working to increase the availability of scientifically supported community-level interventions and screening practices to divert youth to those interventions.
By expanding the availability of evidence-based and research-supported interventions, and rigorously documenting the effectiveness of those approaches, Models for Change is helping to develop model systems that rely on the most effective approaches to promote community safety and youth development.