Evidence-Based Innovations in Juvenile Probation

Abstract

Abstract Virtually all youth who enter the juvenile justice system interact with a juvenile probation officer while progressing through various stages of court processing. In recent decades, juvenile probation departments have adopted a number of evidence-based programs and practices. The use of risk and needs assessment is common, although using assessment results to match youth with research-supported services remains a work in progress. While a number of juvenile programs have been determined through research to be “effective” or “promising,” access to these programs is uneven, and various ineffective or harmful programs continue to exist. Disproportionate minority contact also continues, including in probation caseloads. Although there have been significant evidence-based advancements, there are several ongoing areas for improvement with regard to juvenile probation operations and innovation.