Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Juvenile Offenders
University of Chicago Crime Lab · Chicago, IL, United States · 2012
Summary
The BAM evaluation found that a school-based cognitive behavioral therapy program reduced violent crime arrests among at-risk youth by 44% in the first year. The program addresses what the researchers call 'automaticity' — habitual, fast responses to perceived threats that can escalate to violence. Follow-up studies found that effects persisted two years after program completion and that a summer jobs component added complementary effects. The finding is notable both for its effect size and for demonstrating that crime can be reduced through non-criminal-justice channels.
Research question
"Can cognitive behavioral therapy reduce violent crime among youth at high risk of justice involvement?"
Methodology
Intervention
Becoming a Man (BAM) program: weekly CBT sessions in schools for at-risk young men; one full school year
Assignment
Randomized controlled trial (student)
Sample size
2,740 students
Primary outcome
Violent crime arrests; school engagement
Effect estimate
44% reduction in violent crime arrests; school engagement improved
Decision
Program scaled citywide in Chicago; replicated in Boston, Pittsburgh; federal funding secured
Result
Positive
44% reduction in violent crime arrests; school engagement improved
Evidence strength
Strong
Randomized trial, replicated across multiple sites or studies.
Replication status
Replicated
Institution
University of Chicago Crime Lab
Location
Chicago, IL, United States
Year
2012
Policy area
Public Safety
Mechanism
Human capital