AAG Robinson and OJJDP Acting Administer Slowikowski Discourage the Use of Scared Straight Programs

This article features Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs Laurie Robinson and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s Acting Administer Jeff Slowikowski as they discuss the ineffectiveness and potential harm of scared straight programs to prevent delinquency. The article cites research in which participants of scared straight programs were found to be more likely to offend in the future and cites the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) position of not supporting scared straight style programs. DOJ promotes evidence-based programs, such as mentoring, which uses positive relationships to alter youth behavior.