Work

From advocacy to outcomes: A randomized controlled trial of CASA in juvenile justice

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system often experience poor outcomes. Such outcomes include high rates of recidivism and academic difficulties. The current study focused on the effectiveness of mentors and advocates in juvenile justice. Specifically, a diverse group of adolescents on probation was randomly assigned to a control (services as usual) or experimental group (services as usual plus the services of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)). The outcomes of primary interest were recidivism within 18 months and changes in self‐efficacy. The findings indicate that assignment to the CASA program significantly decreased the probability of recidivism and significantly increased perceptions of academic self‐efficacy. No differences were observed in emotional or social self‐efficacy.

Source: Juvenile and Family Court Journal

DOI: 10.1111/jfcj.70004

Author: Joseph P. Ryan

Institution: University of Michigan

Language: English

Topic: Legal and Social Justice Studies

Subfield: Law

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being, Quality education, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,900