The case for rigorous comparative research and population impacts in a new era of evidence‐based interventions for juvenile offenders

• Author: Brandon C. Welsh
• Published date: 01 November 2020
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/1745-9133.12525
• Date: 01 November 2020

DOI: 10.1111/1745-9133 .12525

DEBATE

EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACHES TO IMPROVING

JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMMING

The case for rigorous comparative research and

population impacts in a new era of

evidence-based interventions for juvenile

offenders

Brandon C. Welsh

Northeastern University

Correspondence

BrandonC. Welsh, School of Criminology

andCriminal Justice, Northeastern Uni-

versity,Churchill Hall, 360 Huntington

Avenue,Boston, MA 02115.

Email:b.welsh@northeastern.edu

Abstract

A key take away from Elliott et al.’s critical review is

the need for a program of more rigorous comparative

research to assess the two main evidence-based models

for guiding juvenile justice interventions. Additionally,

a sound measure of this research should be whether or

not the different models are able to achieve (and sustain)

population impacts. Both of these are important issues

facing the evidence-based movement in juvenile justice

today, and the purpose of this essay is to make the case

for greater attention to each one. The decision-tree

method and computer simulation modeling represent

two rigorous approaches, and their use could benefit

immensely understanding of the comparative effective-

ness of the different models. It will also be important

to consider other existing models as part of a program

of comparative research. The risk-need-responsivity

model and Communities That Care are two examples. A

key criticism of evidence-based interventions, whether

they are brand-name programs or generic practices,

is the limited research demonstrating their ability

to achieve population impacts. Some of the views

undergirding this criticism are warranted. At the same

time, advancements in the science of implementation

over the last two decades bolster support for scaling

up evidence-based interventions and attaining impacts

Criminology & Public Policy. 2020;19:1347–1354. © 2020 American Society of Criminology 1347wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/capp