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