Masters Thesis

Evaluating “new horizons:” a mixed-method inquiry

The purpose of this study is to examine reoffending behavior of juveniles during a six month period following completion of the New Horizons Program, a secure residential treatment program. Successful completion of secure residential treatment programs assumes that juveniles have received the necessary intervention and rehabilitation, thus decreasing recidivism. This study utilizes an exploratory research framework consisting of a qualitative process evaluation and a quantitative program outcomes evaluation. The process evaluation is based on a sample of six program stakeholders who were interviewed using semi-structured interview methods and the principles of grounded theory. The outcome evaluation relies on a univariate analysis to report recidivism rates among participants. Additionally, this study employs comparison of means testing and logistic regression analysis to investigate predictors of recidivism within six months following program exit. Findings from these analyses suggest that the New Horizons Program currently faces issues with interagency collaboration and participant recidivism. Overall, this study adds to research on the New Horizons Program and other potentially effective treatment programs for youth with serious mental health and juvenile delinquency issues.

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