Abstract: The United States is in the top ten out of 108 countries for the highest juvenile offender percentage (Harrendorf, Heiskanen, & Malby, 2010). Interaction with the juvenile court system has significant iatrogenic effects (Steinberg, Chung, & Little, 2004; Gatti, Tremblay, & Vitaro, 2009; McCord, 1992; Gatti, Tremblay, & Vitaro, 2009). Prevention has been found to be superior to reducing criminal behavior than attempts to intervene after criminal behavior has started (Yoshikawa, 1995; Loeber, Farrington, & Petechuk, 2003; Walker & Shinn, 2002; May, Osmond, & Billick, 2014). This study evaluates the efficacy of "Thinking for a Change," an evidence-based treatment for criminogenic needs that was created for adults and has been utilized with youth populations (Bush, Glick, Taymas, & Guevara, 2011). Although the program has been successful with adults (Center for Evidence-Based Practice, 2011; Golden, Gatcheland, & Cahill, 2006; Golden, 2002; Lowenkamp, Hubbard, Makarios, & Latessa, 2009) and has received notable endorsements, such as from the Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the National Institute of Corrections, it's effectiveness for youth has not been formally studied. The current study explored the program's implementation feasibility in a school in which students are at high risk for contact with the juvenile court. The BASC-3-TRS was used to measure criminogenic needs as reported by teachers (Calhoun, 2001; Perkins, Calhoun, Glaser, & Kunemund, 2016) and the "Thinking for a Change" Skill Measure, a Likert scale questionnaire, evaluated the students reports of skill use. Results indicated that students reported engaging in the skills taught in the "Thinking for a Change" more post-intervention than at pretest. Demographic variables were of interest. Older grades, 5th and 6th, showed more need for T4C material, as evidenced by teachers' reports. Girls reported a higher percentage of skill change compared to boys. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
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