The Meta-analysis program involves individual counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, family counseling, mentoring and aftercare of the delinquent juveniles. Meta-analysis is one of the many procedures that have been engineered by researchers to curb delinquent behavior in adolescents. The meta-analysis research that was conducted on over 400 delinquents shows that the strategy is making progress in reducing the number of repeat crimes in the society (Petrosino & Lavenberg, 2007). Groups which went through the treatment have a 10 percent less recidivism compared to that of untreated groups. Most programs which were successful had four distinct characteristics which include the availability of certain services, a special role in the juvenile system, enough services, and appropriate allocation of administrative services to the population. Most of these programs were, however, just able to reduce recidivism by a small percentage leaving a lot of room for improvement. The four criteria used for this service include risk assessment, quality of service delivery, primary and supplemental types and the number of services.
The meta-analysis program which is also known as psych therapy requires a lot of effort. The program is also subject to the bias of various types of delinquent behavior among juveniles (Petrosino & Lavenberg, 2007). Findings are different among different studies, and these findings should not be used as a representative of the overall population. Some of the data employed in the meta-analysis research is considered non-independent, and if non-independent variables are treated similar to the correlated variables, errors can be made in the research. The meta-analysis research considers two types of parental styles, which is similar to comparing apples and oranges, a concept which is misleading (Petrosino & Lavenberg, 2007). The Meta-analysis program is a good approach to eradicating deviant behavior among adolescents and even though the program is not entirely foolproof, it should not be dismissed.
References
Petrosino, A., & Lavenberg, J. (2007). Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: Best Evidence on “What Works” for Criminal Justice Decision Makers*. Western Criminology Review, 1-15.
