ALTERNATIVE PLACEMENTS FOR JUVENILE-OFFENDERS - RESULTS FROM THE EVALUATION OF THE NOKOMIS CHALLENGE PROGRAM

The Nokomis Challenge Program, an innovative correctional program for low- and medium-risk delinquents, was implemented by the Michigan Depa rtment of Social Services (DSS) in 1989. The program combines three mo nths of residence and outdoor challenge programming with nine months o f intensive community-based aftercare. It was designed as an alternati ve to residential placements that average 14-16 months. An evaluation of the Nokomis Program conducted using a quasi-experimental study of 1 92 juvenile offenders showed significant cost savings, compared to tra ditional residential placement, over a 24-month period, but few differ ences in outcomes. Youths in both groups made positive gains in social adjustment during residential programs, which disappeared by the End of the follow-up period. Despite community aftercare, Nokomis youths f ailed more quickly upon release to the community. The results suggest that to derive benefit from short-term alternative placements, the int ensive aftercare component must be strengthened to help prevent youth from relapsing.