Abstract
A communitybased, residential treatment program for predelinquents is examined. The immediate efficacy of its behaviormodification techniques is verified. However, followup results, including comparisons with a matched control group, indicate the failure of the program to produce desirable social outcomes for discharged youth. Questions concerning the generalizability and the relevance of residential treatment results to discharge settings are raised. The need for innovative programs dealing with the social variables affecting youth labeled “delinquent” is stressed.
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The authors wish to express their appreciation to Dr. Julian Rappaport and Charles Rapp of the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign for their assistance in the design and implementation of this study.
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Davidson, W.S., Wolfred, T.R. Evaluation of a community-based behavior modification program for prevention of delinquency: The failure of success. Community Ment Health J 13, 296–306 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01422531
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01422531