The purpose of this project was to incorporate behavioral health needs (mental health and substance abuse) into case planning in juvenile probation departments and test the subsequent effectiveness to help in the design of a more integrated model for risk and needs assessments. The research is measuring effectiveness of case planning in four juvenile probation sites in Arkansas and all juvenile probation offices in Rhode Island on the following outcomes:

1. Reduction in mental health and substance abuse symptoms and dynamic risk factors.
2. Reduction in reoffending.

In accordance with these objectives, the researchers will use propensity-score matching to compare pre-implementation and post-implementation samples of adjudicated youth on placement rates, probation violations, and recidivism across all probation sites for a 12-month period from the dates of adjudication. Moreover, researchers will analyze data to examine whether risk reduction is delayed or impaired for youth with mental health concerns or serious substance use issues.

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