Conclusion

Early studies on JDTCs yielded mixed results, but recent findings are giving cause for greater optimism as the programs have become more adept at their operations.  Significant positive outcomes have been reported for JDTCs that adhered to best practices and evidence-based practices identified from the fields of adolescent treatment and delinquency prevention.  These practices include requiring parents or guardians to attend status hearings; holding status hearings in court in front of a judge; avoiding over-reliance on costly detention sanctions; reducing youths’ associations with drug-using and delinquent peers; enhancing parents’ or guardians’ supervision of their teens; and modeling consistent and effective disciplinary practices.  More research is needed to replicate these findings and identify other practices that can further enhance outcomes in JDTC programs.