Crossroads Study

In order to establish an empirical basis for guiding juvenile justice decision-making, the Crossroads Study examines the effects on male juvenile offenders of different degrees of justice system involvement over the course of three years following arrest. Long term costs and benefits associated with different juvenile justice and diversion outcomes were assessed. Youth who are diverted from justice system involvement served as a comparison group for formally processed youth.

The goal of the Crossroads Study is to create an empirical foundation for developing decision-making guidelines for juvenile justice professionals that serve the best interest of the community, the taxpayers, and delinquent youths. Crossroads is funded by the MacArthur Foundation and the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The study follows 1,200 male juvenile offenders (ages 13-17) of different degrees of justice system involvement biannually over three years following an arrest in Philadelphia, PA; Jefferson Parish, LA; and Orange County, CA.