Functional Family Parole
Effectiveness

Promising

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Promising

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Life periods served
Where the program was applied
Country of application
Description

This is a supervision program for young people on probation or other alternative measures who have no history of violent crime and who are under the custody of their parents, guardians, or foster care institutions. The aim is to reduce recidivism and encourage employment and guaranteed income.
The program is implemented by police and probation officers, and consists of three phases:
1) Engagement and Motivation: psychologists establish a bond with the participants and their families, work on social and emotional and cognitive skills, and develop goals and strategies for the future;
2) Monitoring and Support: psychologists focus on the relationship between young people and their families, and offer guidance on community resources and assistance appropriate to each case; and
3) Generalization: focused on maintaining behavioral change and solving new problems. The intervention offers family strengthening techniques in eight sessions over approximately six months.

Impact evaluations

An impact evaluation showed that young people participating in the program were less likely to be arrested or charged again, and more likely to be employed and have access to a better income, when compared to the participants in the control group, who did not receive the intervention [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Lucenko, B. A., He, L., Mancuso, D., & Felver, B. (2011). Effects of Functional Family Parole on re-arrest and employment for youth in Washington State: Technical appendix. Olympia, WA: Department of Social and Health Services.

Information source