Research Database: Article Details
| Citation: | Schaeffer, C.M., Henggeler, S.W., Ford, J.D., Mann, M., Chang, R., & Chapman, J.E. (2013). RCT of a promising vocational/employment program for high-risk juvenile offenders. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 46 134-143. |
| Title: | RCT of a promising vocational/employment program for high-risk juvenile offenders |
| Authors: | Schaeffer, C.M., Henggeler, S.W., Ford, J.D., Mann, M., Chang, R., & Chapman, J.E. |
| Year: | 2013 |
| Journal/Publication: | Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment |
| Publisher: | Elsevier Inc |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2013.06.012 |
| Full text: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0740547213001463?... |
| Peer-reviewed? | Yes |
| NIDILRR-funded? | Yes |
Structured abstract:
| Background: | Juvenile offenders who abuse substances are at a higher risk for low educational attainment, poor mental and physical health, problems with social relationships, and difficulty obtaining employment. |
| Study sample: | 97 adolescents aged 15-18, who had been involved in the juvenile justice system and had previously completed substance abuse treatment. |
| Intervention: | This study examined the effect of enrollment in the Community Restitution Apprenticeship-Focused Training (CRAFT). This is a 6-month employment program for at-risk youth which trains them in different vocational specialties such as home building, construction, and maintenance. They are trained in these skills in the hope that they will be increase their employability. |
| Control or comparison condition: | Youth enrolled in CRAFT were compared to those involved in "Education as Usual." |
| Findings: | Youth in CRAFT were significantly more likely to have been employed during the 30 month follow-up (76%) and also more likely to have participated in a GED program (50%). |
| Conclusions: | The authors cite the success of this program as being in the hands-on training that youth receive, as well as the contextual approach that is taken in connecting them to comprehensive resources. Additionally, the involvement of mentors and community partners/employers was helpful, as they were willing to provide assistance with job interview practice and various employment-related soft skills. |
| Disabilities served: |
Alcohol and drug abuse |
| Populations served: |
Transition-age youth (14 - 24) Adjudicated adults and youth High school dropouts / functionally illiterate persons Youth in foster care |
| Interventions: |
Training and technical assistance Vocational rehabilitation |
| Outcomes: |
Employment acquisition Increase in number of months of employment |