Research
Interim outcome data for community-based Skills for Responsible Thinking program:
This analysis intends to measure outcomes of Back on Track’s Skills for Responsible Thinking program. Outcomes were determined by measuring the difference between pre-program and post-program data for several variables. These variables include: number of offenses, YLS scores and individual domain scores from the YLS, and program satisfaction. Rate of recidivism was also calculated. All youth who participated in the Skills for Responsible Thinking program starting in July, 2004, and ending on May, 2006 were included.
Graduate versus non graduate outcomes
Of the 97 participants, 60.8% (59) completed the program. The recidivism rate for graduates was 27.1% compared to 31.6% for non-graduates. Both graduates and non-graduates who did commit new crimes committed far fewer crimes post participation. This may be due, in part, to the limited time post-program to track this data.
Because the YLS is administered every six months, some YLS scores for recent graduates were unavailable. For participants who had the YLS administered post-program, 50% of graduates and 39% had lower overall YLS scores. Graduates had lower mean scores on each individual YLS domain post-program compared to pre-program. The most dramatic domain change was Education/Employment, which had a mean decreased over 1 point. In comparison, the non-graduate Education/Employment score remained relatively unchanged. Average non-graduate YLS total and individual domain scores increased in all domains examined except one, Leisure/Recreation, which decreased 0.05. Table 1 illustrates the difference between pre and post YLS total and individual domain scores.
Graduates were given the opportunity to fill out a post-program questionnaire. Of the 59 graduates, 47 completed the survey. The overall satisfaction score of graduates is 3.4 out of 4. Of the 47, 41 were at reported being at least satisfied with the program. This shows a high level of satisfaction with the program.
Overall, the Skills for Responsible Thinking program appears to have a positive effect on youth it serves. Those who graduate the program have a lower rate of recidivism. In addition, lower YLS scores, including individual domain scores, indicate that the program is reducing risk factors in youth graduates. Finally, almost all graduates of the program report their overall satisfaction as ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’.
