The effects of the prevention program ‘New Perspectives’ (NP) on juvenile delinquency and other life domains: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundNew Perspectives (NP) is a prevention program aiming to prevent that youth at onset of a criminal career will develop a persistent criminal behaviour pattern. The effects of NP on juvenile delinquency and other life domains are investigated, using a randomized controlled trial (RCT).Method/DesignIn the present study at-risk youth aged 12 to 23 years are assigned randomly to the intervention (N = 90, NP) or control condition consisting of care as usual (N = 90, CAU). After screening, random assignment, and consent to participate, adolescents and their parents are requested to complete questionnaires. Data are collected at four points in time: at baseline (before the start of the intervention), after 3 months, after 6 months (post-test) and 1 year after treatment (follow-up). Primary outcome measures include involvement in delinquent behaviour and recidivism. Secondary outcome measures include parenting behaviour, life events, prosocial behaviour, deviant and prosocial peers, externalizing behaviour, cognitive distortions, moral reasoning, self-worth, anxiety, depression, client satisfaction, therapeutic alliance and motivation. Standardized questionnaires and interviews are used to collect data. Moderator analyses will also be conducted in order to examine the influence of ethnic background, gender and age on the program effectiveness.DiscussionThe present study will provide new insights in the effects of a prevention program targeting youth at risk for the development of a persistent criminal career.Trial registrationDutch trial register number NTR4370. The study is financially supported by a grant from ZonMw, the Dutch Organization for Health research and Development, grant number 157004006. The study is approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Amsterdam, approval number 2011-CDE-01.

The Long-Term Effects of the Youth Crime Prevention Program “New Perspectives” on Delinquency and Recidivism

“…Self-report follow-up data of adolescents were collected 12 months after completion of the intervention. A more elaborate description of the recruitment and randomization process can be found in prior studies of De Vries, Hoeve, Assink, et al (2014 ; De Vries, Hoeve, Wibbelink, et al, 2015).…”

“…NP is culturally responsive in that adolescents who receive NP are assigned to a social worker with similar ethnic background. More information regarding core components of the NP program can be found in the prior studies of De Vries, Hoeve, Assink, et al (2014 ; De Vries, Hoeve, Wibbelink, et al, 2015).…”

Parental influences on youth delinquency

“…The social care practitioners serve on a 7/24 schedule, and their services include setting goals together with the youngster, challenging tough issues with knowledge, confidence and skill, coaching, motivational interviewing for smooth behavior modification, strengthening ties with the social support systems by involvement of parents, friends and teachers, helping with cognitive restructuring, teaching problem-solving skills, and role-modeling. Earlier empirical NP studies revealed positive changes in parenting, social relationships and crime involvement attitudes and behavior (De Vries et al, 2014).…”

“…Considering the expensiveness of both comprehensive rehabilitation and detention of delinquents in correctional centers, empowering evidence-based prevention programs well before a long-lasting and persistent criminal career begins would be a contribution to society (De Vries et al, 2014). If the objective of policy makers and practitioners is substantial behavioral change in the desired direction, prevention and interventions should be based on rigorous research outcomes of sound theories in the related fields (Hoeve et al, 2009;Kazdin, 2001).…”

“…Multidimensional programs combining manifold modules (e.g. coping skills, stress-management, cognitive skills, problem-solving techniques, social communication skills) for parents, youths, and their proximal and distal environment, hence dealing with various direct and indirect factors influencing the youngsters' crime involvement are thought to be more beneficial than very strictly structured and inflexible programs in juvenile crime prevention (De Vries et al, 2014;Borduin et al, 1995;Schaeffer, 2010, 2016).…”