Built on a solid foundation of developmental research, this extraordinary book provides a platform for the next generation of evidence-based practice and policy in juvenile justice. The editors have set aside ideological polemics to focus on a central question: How Can we best reduce recidivism in young offenders? Without question, ~his is the deepest, most thoroughly researched, and most up-to-date resource of its kind. It is an invaluable work that should be a 'go-to' book for anyone interested in shaping and improving the future of our juvenile justice system.

This authoritative, highly readable reference and text is grounded in the latest knowledge on how antisocial and delinquent behavior develops in youth and how it can effectively be treated. While the contributors are experts from multiple disciplines--including clinical and developmental psychology, criminology,and sociology--all share a common focus on the importance of rehabilitation for reducing juvenile offending and its personal and societal costs.Thorough yet concise, the book presents exemplary programs and addresses theoretical, empirical, and practical issues in evidence-based intervention.

The book begins by examining patterns in youth crime, introducing contemporary models of offending,and discussing the role of assessment in planning treatments that work. Contributors then delve into the nuts and bolts of program design and implementation,offering best-practice recommendations for diverse settings. Described are proven approaches for building the behavioral, social, and emotional competencies of atrisk adolescents; strengthening their family and community resources; and targeting other risk factors for offending and recidivism. Ways to understand and meet the needs of special populations are explored,with chapters on violent offenders; gang members; sexual offenders; youth with mental health, substance abuse, educational, and learning problems; and female offenders. Several chapters include step-by-step guidelines for assessment and treatment, enhancing the book's utility for practitioners. Salient policy issues and strategies for overcoming barriers to effective programming are also reviewed.

Introduction

Nancy G. Guerra, Robert D. Hoge, and Paul Boxer

PART I. Understanding Youthful Offending

1. A Portrait of Juvenile Offending in the United States

Kirk R. Williams, Louis Tuthill, and Shoon Lio

2. Theoretical and Research Advances in Understanding

the Causes of Juvenile Offending

Nancy G. Guerra, Kirk R. Williams, Patrick H. Tolan,and Kathryn L. Modecki

3. Assessment in Juvenile Justice Systems

Robert D. Hoge

PART II. Treatment Programs and Policies for the General Offender Population

What Works: Best Practices with Juvenile Offenders

Nancy G. Guerra, Tia E. Kim, and Paul Boxer

Implementing Treatment Programs in Communityand Institutional Settings

Nancy G. Guerra and Caren Leaf

6. How Policy Affects Practice in the Treatment of Juvenile Offenders: The California Experience

Elizabeth Siggins and Amy Seidlitz

PART III. Treatment Programs and Policies for Specific Offending Groups

7. Treatment of Violent Offenders

Paul Boxer and Paul J. Frick

8. Treating Gang-Involved Offenders

Robert Nash Parker, Todd Negola, Rudy Haapanen, Larry Miranda,and Emily Asencio

9. Juvenile Sexual Offending: An Evidence-Based Approach to Assessment and Intervention

Gary O" Reilly and Clodagh Ann Dowling

10. Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Trauma

Bonita M. Veysey

11. Juvenile Offenders with Special Education Needs

Carolyn Eggleston

12. The Female Juvenile Offender

Robert D. Hoge and Lynda Robertson

Epilogue

Robert D. Hoge, Nancy G. Guerra, and Paul Boxer

Index