Study Shows Mentoring Reduces Recidivism Rates

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention recently released results from a study of the My Life Mentoring program, which works with young people ages 16-18 in foster care. At two-year follow up, researchers found statistically significant reductions in recidivism rates specifically for young adult male participants, and for those who were not engaged in developmental disability services concurrent to mentoring. Cost-benefit analysis suggested that it cost three times more to incarcerate young adults who did not receive mentoring than it would have to engage them in My Life during high school. RHY providers interested in mentoring youth at high-risk of criminal justice involvement can read the full report to learn what elements of the program are most effective, for which populations.

Access the report here: 
https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/grants/251418.pdf

Learn more about the My Life Mentoring program here
https://crimesolutions.ojp.gov/ratedprograms/667