How does DJJ assess the effectiveness of its programs?

The effectiveness of programs within the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is largely assessed by tracking recidivism rates and gathering participant feedback. Recidivism rates indicate how often juveniles reoffend or return to the juvenile justice system, which is a critical measure of a program's impact on behavior change and rehabilitation. Lower recidivism rates typically suggest that a program is successful in helping youth avoid criminal activities after intervention.

Participant feedback is also pivotal because it provides insights into the experiences and perspectives of those directly involved in the programs. Understanding how participants perceive the interventions they received can help to identify strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that the programs meet their needs effectively.

This comprehensive approach allows DJJ to evaluate both the quantitative outcomes (like recidivism) and qualitative insights (like feedback), which together offer a well-rounded picture of program effectiveness.