The Future of Children - Essay Example

The article further explores community-based initiatives aimed at transforming first-time offenders to help them avoid future abrasion with the law. In the article, Greenwood discovers that evidence-based programs can be cost-saving. The author utilizes a case of Washington legislature, the result of the analysis in 2006 indicated that doubling high-quality programs investment would suffice the need for more prison capacity. The author thus provides a case that adds to the credibility of the information provided in the article about the effectiveness of evidence-based programs.

He recommends that the jurisdiction should adopt the evidence-based approach in implementing working programs. When implementing blueprint models, the author recommends that the proper choice of a program model that focuses on the needs of clients and the agency. Greenwood also recommends that training should be offered by the jurisdiction to personnel involved so that its implementation can be successful. Further, the jurisdiction should recruit the right staff to steer the program, market the program to the clients and organization, organize for monitoring and feedback system to improve the program and institute quality assurance schedule to ensure a high level of efficiency.

Reference Greenwood, P. (2008). Prevention and intervention programs for juvenile offenders. The future of Children, 18(2), 185-210. Retrieved on December 2, 2014, from http://futureofchildren.org/futureofchildren/publications/docs/18_02_09.pdf