The effectiveness of interventions for young offenders in therapeutic communities: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic community interventions in reducing recidivism among juvenile offenders. Given the high rates of reoffending in this population and the growing use of community-based rehabilitative approaches, it is essential to assess whether therapeutic communities represent an effective strategy for promoting long-term behavioural change. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across five major electronic databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search yielded a total of 454 records. Following the removal of duplicates and a rigorous screening process based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 6 empirical studies were selected for inclusion. The studies were conducted in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany and involved a sample of 1,229 juvenile offenders. The interventions evaluated encompassed a range of therapeutic community models, including Aggression Replacement Training (ART), cognitive-behavioural approaches, social-therapeutic treatment, and programmes incorporating core therapeutic community principles. Results: Across the included studies, participation in therapeutic community programmes was consistently associated with a reduction in recidivism rates. These positive outcomes were observed regardless of the specific psychological framework underpinning the intervention. Conclusions: The findings suggest that therapeutic community interventions are effective in reducing reoffending among juvenile offenders. However, further research is required to identify which specific components of therapeutic communities contribute most significantly to these outcomes.