Second Chance Program Research Study

Paper Summary:

The paper examines M. Lieber and T. Mawhorr's evaluation of the Second Chance Program to determine whether or not delinquent behavior of participants was reduced. Specifically, the paper examines their article "Evaluating the Use of Social Skills Training and Employment with Delinquent Youth" and then relates the findings that the participants in the Second Chance Program did not have a lower rate of recidivism than non-participants. The paper explains how the researchers identified the characteristics in common with successful intervention programs as well as four characteristics lacking. The paper discusses the authors' suggestions on how to improve the program and reduce recidivism.

From the Paper:

"Michael J. Leiber and Tina L. Mawhorr of the University of Northern Iowa were asked by Juvenile Court Services and Area VII to evaluate the Second Chance Program to determine whether or not delinquent behavior of participants was reduced. The research results were to be used to support a request for funds to continue the program (Leiber & Mawhorr, in Pope, Lovell & Brandl).
"The design of the study included multiple comparison groups and a one-year follow-up. There was no funding for this study and there was a one-year limit for completion. Between 1990 and June 1992, the juvenile court staff referred five different groups to participate in the program. The program sessions lasted 16 weeks. Fifty-seven completed the program and 28 did not. The drop out group was included in the analysis of the study to identify any characteristics that could be related to a failure to complete the program."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cox, S., Fitzgerald, J. (2002). Research methods and statistics in criminal justice. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson. Retrieved February 11, 2007, from: https://mycampus.phoenix.edu/secure/resource/resource.asp
• Leiber, M., Mawhorr, T., (1995). Evaluating the use of social skills training and employment with delinquent youth. Journal of Criminal Justice 23:127-41. In Pope, C., Lovell, R., & Brandl, S. (Ed.). Voices from the field: readings in criminal justice research. Retrieved February 11, 2007, from: https://mycampus.phoenix.edu/secure/resource/resource.asp

More papers on Second Chance Program Research Study:

• Term Paper # 122504 : "Second Chance Program"
• Research Proposal # 106517 : "Literacy Program Study"
• Research Proposal # 111521 : "Online Credit Recovery Programs"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: