Title
At-Risk Youth Study
Report Type Final Report 
Date Published November 2005 
Publication Number 05-18 
Mandate
C 285 L 03
Online Availability Requires version 4.0 or later of Adobe Acrobat Reader Software
Abstract
In 2003, the Legislature directed JLARC to identify programs currently operated by local jurisdictions in Washington that have:  proven effective at preserving families or reducing youth crime; and produced cost savings, or were cost neutral, to the state budget.  JLARC was also asked to evaluate options encouraging local investment in such programs.  JLARC conducted a survey of local jurisdictions to identity locally-implemented programs addressing child welfare or juvenile crime.  An interim report focused on local investment incentives and identified two possible incentive mechanisms.  The study found that programs addressing child welfare or juvenile crime that are cost-effective and that are not cost-effective have been locally implemented.  The study also found that efforts to encourage local spending on proven cost-effective programs are underway.  The study’s one recommendation is that the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) should provide an annual report to the fiscal committees of the Legislature, itemizing the amount of DSHS spending on prevention and early intervention programs that the Washington State Institute for Public Policy has determined are either not cost-effective or for which a cost-benefit estimate cannot be made on the basis of current research. 
Author(s)

Cynthia L. Forland, Analyst
Ruta Fanning, Project Manager
Print Availability Request hard copy from the JLARC Publications Officer
Number of Pages  
Keywords  
Category Human Services