The corrections programs that have the greatest return on their investment are those targeted at juveniles. Many of the programs recreate the powerful socialization forces of functional family life. The effectiveness of a program depends on whether its implemented properly.

A study done by Washington state institute of Public Policy stated, “Compared to adult programs, programs for juveniles are, on average, more effective at reducing future crime and producing benefits that outweigh public cost.” The greatest opportunity to prevent crime is to stop criminals at an adolescent stage.

When looking at juvenile delinquency programs it’s important to see how effective and cost effective they are. Washington State institute of public policy studied five effective rehabilitation programs. Multidimensional treatment, Youth peace program, peer mediation process, Rites of Passage and Functional family therapy. All of these programs produced significant reduction in arrest, violent crime, recidivism of other crimes, improved family functioning and reduction of youth entering adult criminal systems. All positive outcomes that cost between two thousand and five thousand dollars per juvenile.

The programs that aimed to create powerful socialization forces of family life were the most effective. Programs such as the ones that were studied are both cost effective and reduce juvenile crime. Programs can work extremely well, however, not all programs reach their potential. The effectiveness of a program depends on how it is implemented. Policymakers need to deliberately take steps in the design of their legislation to get the resources to make sure the programs are carried out as indented. If programs are carried out as intended then effective juvenile programs will continue to reduce crime rates and prevent future criminals in the process. All it takes is a little initiation from our policy makers and a grasp on juveniles may tighten as the years pass by.