Approximately 430,000 US youth were put under arrest in 2020, with many of them entering the juvenile probation and parole system. The effectiveness of a juvenile probation program can make a significant difference in whether a young person gets back on track or falls into a cycle of recidivism.
So, how do we ensure that juvenile probation programs follow an approach that actually works?
The key is investing in evidence-based interventions that are informed by scientific research about how to engage and motivate high-risk teens and their families to reduce youth recidivism. Traditional juvenile justice systems often set up juvenile probation and parole officers to work in ways that do not take advantage of what we know is effective in addressing the needs of youth and families. Many families involved in the juvenile justice system are challenged by a host of stressors. Uncovering family and youth strength, so they can address obstacles as opposed to relying on juvenile probation and parole officers to respond to problems in critical, as is ensuring the quality over quantity of contacts and meetings.
Furthermore, programs must recognize the science of youth development and implement a holistic approach that embraces a collaborative, community-centered philosophy focused on serving young people and their families.
Through structured supervision and care, evidence-based juvenile probation programs can help reduce recidivism and promote positive development, providing youth a second chance to integrate into society successfully.
Among these evidence-based solutions is Functional Family Probation and Parole (FFP), a powerful adaptation of Functional Family Therapy. By leveraging proven strategies, FFP offers a family-centered approach that yields better outcomes for young people on probation and those on parole/aftercare who are transitioning back into their communities.
The Power of Evidence-Based Interventions
Deeper issues—like family conflict, trauma, or insufficient support—tend to drive delinquent behaviors. Functional Family Probation and Parole directly addresses these root causes. It digs deep, leveraging structured interventions that ensure a young person's environment is conducive to long-term positive change.
Instead of traditional juvenile probation programs, which tend to focus on punitive punishment or surveillance, or which overwhelm youth with a one-size fits all plan, evidence-based models like FFP work closely with family members and community organizations to guarantee interventions are targeted, relevant, and personalized to each young person and family’s unique situation. Interventions that match the needs and risks of each individual youth and family improve outcomes significantly.
For example, 48% of young people participating in FFP in Washington experienced fewer arrests overall in the nine months following release. Additionally, 49% percent of them are more likely to be employed after completing FFP.
Tailoring Programs to Unique Circumstances
A notable strength of juvenile justice programs like FFP is its adaptability. While FFP draws from the principles of Functional Family Therapy, the adaptation is fine-tuned to specifically meet the unique and often complex needs of young people involved with the justice system.
In strengthening family dynamics and fostering accountability, FFP is able to link families to carefully selected referral programs, specific to their needs. FFP creates a cohesive team—probation officers, family members, and community service providers —that takes an active role in a young person's progress. Research published by the American Psychological Association shows that when all parties align on shared goals and expectations, rehabilitation outcomes improve significantly.
Because the FFP model develops adaptable, individualized, and long-term change plans (instead of ending at case closure), its impact is durable and sustainable. Most young people and their families maintain benefits even after a year post-FFP treatment.
Reducing Costs of Juvenile Probation Programs
The adaptability of evidence-based programs like FFP stems from regular evaluation and feedback loops. Tracking progress and measuring outcomes helps to identify which strategies work and which need to be adjusted. In turn, outcomes improve, and resources get leveraged more efficiently.
For example, Washington state saved $14,531 per youth who completed FFP over other services. FFP saves Washington state $4.51 for every dollar spent on FFP. Successful juvenile rehabilitation programs like FFP can bring these benefits to a wide range of industries alongside juvenile justice, such as mental health, education, child welfare and social services, and government.
A data-driven approach to juvenile probation and parole, as highlighted in a Wiley article on evidence-based juvenile programs, is key to ensuring that the resources devoted to these interventions are being utilized effectively and in a way that fosters long-term rehabilitation for justice-involved youth.
Enhancing Collaboration and Trust
Evidence-based programs like FFP also play a crucial role in building trust among families, communities, and justice agencies. When they see tangible improvements in a young person's behavior, they are more likely to trust the process. This transparency enhances juvenile probation and parole programs' overall credibility and increases buy-in.
According to Pew, evidence-based decision-making increases public confidence in the system and fosters a more supportive environment for rehabilitation. Programs like FFP that demonstrate clear outcomes are essential for maintaining this trust and promoting the success of juvenile probation programs.
Fostering Collaboration for Long-Term Success
The collaboration FFP creates between family, probation officers, and community organizations surrounds young people with support from all angles. By aligning efforts, everyone works together to create an environment where rehabilitation and healing can occur.
Whether through educational resources, counseling, or extracurricular activities, community organizations provide the additional support needed to help young people in juvenile probation programs succeed. These partnerships not only benefit a young person but also strengthen the entire community.
Evidence-based programs like FFP create lasting change by helping young people reintegrate into their communities as productive, contributing members, and communities experience reduced crime rates and safer neighborhoods. FFP gives justice-involved youth the opportunity to thrive within their own contexts—an opportunity they deserve.
Download this comprehensive guide to learn how to bring FFP to your community.
FFT LLC Leads the Future of Juvenile Probation Programs
Based on years of research and proven results, Functional Family Probation and Parole sets a new standard by addressing the root causes of delinquent behavior and curating collaboration among all stakeholders. Evidence-based juvenile probation programs that ditch punitive measures for more holistic approaches break the cycle of recidivism and create sustainable, positive outcomes for everyone.
Partner with FFT LLC to create lasting change in juvenile probation and parole programs and make an impact on youth rehabilitation.
FFT LLC is a counseling service that brings hope and transformation to at-risk youth and families. With a focus on comprehensive, short-term therapy, FFT LLC has touched the lives of over 40,000 families annually across the globe. Through clinical oversight and ongoing research, FFT LLC ensures that all its providers adhere to evidence-based practice standards, guaranteeing positive outcomes for those in need.
Contact us for more information about our evidence-based youth and family counseling services.