Evidence-Based Practice Results - Ineffective Programs and Strategies

The list of Evidence-Based Programs and Strategies used by the Governor's Office of Gang and Youth Violence Policy was complied by Peter Greenwood, Ph.D.

Programs and strategies in the INEFFECTIVE category are those that do not reduce recidivism or risk factors or have an adverse outcome.

PROGRAMS
INEFFECTIVE PROGRAMS Setting Target Age Group Outcomes
D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Training)
School-based substance abuse prevention progarm using uniformed police officers in the classroom.
n/a n/a No significant impact on use of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs
Guided Group Interaction
Intervention program that uses a peer group to promote prosocial peer interaction and restructure peer interaction.
n/a n/a No reduction in recidivism
Strategies
INEFFECTIVE PROGRAMS Setting Target Age Group Outcomes
Boot Camps
Intervention strategy that emphasize drills, teamwork building, etc
n/a n/a No reduction in recidivism
Court Supervision
Intervention strategy that uses court supervision in lieu of releasing juvenile without services.
n/a n/a No reduction in recidivism
Intensive Probation
Intervention model for probation that uses more than usual contact in lieu of incarceration.
n/a n/a No reduction in recidivism
Intensive Probation Supervision
Intervention model for probation that uses more than the usual contacts.
n/a n/a No reduction in recidivism
Intensive Parole Supervision
Intervention model for parole that uses more than the usual contacts.
n/a n/a No reduction in recidivism
Regular Surveillence-Oriented Parole
Intervention strategy involving post-release monitoring by parole agents.
n/a n/a No reduction in recidivism
Deterrence
Intervention strategy dramatizing the negative consequences of behavior.
n/a n/a 2% increase in recidivism
Scared Straight
Intervention using prison inmates to confront first time offenders about the downside of criminal life
n/a n/a 6.1% increase in recidivism
Discipline
Intervention teaching discipline to succeed and avoid reoffending
n/a n/a 8% increase in recidivism