Holistic representation in juvenile defense: An evaluation of a multidisciplinary children's defense team.

Abstract

This study describes the results of an evaluation of a holistic defense model for juvenile clients. Longitudinal, retrospective analysis of de-identified data from clients (N=308) measured individual variable outcomes, relationships, and project performance. Bivariate and multivariate analyses examined the strength of association and interrelationships among client and defense team variables. Findings indicate that holistic defense was significantly associated with improved outcomes among juvenile clients, including increased mental health assessment resulting in treatment, increased employment and educational attainment, and decreased odds of recidivism. Favorable court or dispositional outcomes, including lower adjudication or early termination from custody, were also reported. Further practice-level, controlled research is necessary to evaluate these models and offer comparison to other models for holistic defense.