JJC Releases Evaluation of Stabilization and Reintegration Program

The analysis shows that the state's juvenile Stabilization and Reintegration Program (SRP), commonly known as the boot camp, has an initial positive impact on recidivism that, unfortunately, diminishes over time. The evaluation also indicates that at two years following release, re-arrest, re-conviction and re-commitment rates for both the SRP and control group (a sample of juveniles from other Commission facilities) are 80 v. 86 percent, 68 v. 76 percent and 39 v. 50 percent respectively. These differences were not statistically significant. Other states have similarly high juvenile recidivism rates.

"The greatest challenge appears to be maintaining the positive changes that are achieved by youth when they return to the same environment that influenced their negative behavior in the first place," said Bruce D. Stout, Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission. "Boot camp type facilities nationwide have generally had limited success in terms of impact on recidivism, leaving us to believe that New Jersey's encouraging results are due to the uniqueness of our program, combining education, discipline and preparation for each juvenile's return to the community."

The Commission remains committed to effecting positive change in the lives of repeat and serious offenders, while also striving to lower crime rates through prevention and early intervention. Over the past five years, juvenile arrest rates for major violent and nonviolent offenses - adjusted for population - are down almost 40 percent. In fact, juvenile arrests have reached the lowest point since the Uniform Crime Report began publication in 1967. As a result of the Commission's focus on preventive and early intervention services, the juvenile justice system has been able to intercede with juveniles at the earliest stages when change is most likely to occur in their behavior.

Legislation was passed in 1995 which established the Stabilization and Reintegration Program. The facility opened in February, 1996 on the grounds of Wharton State Forest in Tabernacle, Burlington County. More than 600 youth have graduated from the program to date.

For more information on the JJC, please visit www.njjjc.com