https://pachiefprobationofficers.org/docs/Examination%20of%20BARJ%20Services.pdf

Juvenile offenders benefit from pro-social and moral development skills services, according to this study of Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ) initiatives in Pennsylvania. The study examined demographic and other characteristics of 400 juveniles who were referred to BARJ, as well as the consistency of services provided and the impact of the referrals on recidivism.

The majority of youths included in the study were white males aged 15-17 with no prior offenses. The recidivism rate was low, with more than 75% "remaining crime-free" for 24 months. This low rate of re-offense could not generally be attributed to the BARJ programs because of a lack of consistency in the implementation of services. For example, less than 10% of offenders completed mediation or youth aid panels. However, the researchers were able to discern a positive correlation between receiving pro-social skills services (such as decisionmaking classes or aggression replacement therapy) and moral development skills services (such as refusal skills) and reduced recidivism.

The researchers recommend that the counties focus on a few program services, implement them more consistently and target them to specific juvenile offender populations. Two of those programs should be pro-social and moral development skills services, which they found to be particularly effective for low-risk, first-time offenders. The researchers recommend that they be offered to all youth who fit that category.