Research Library
27 peer-reviewed studies on what works in youth justice. Trauma-informed care, Indigenous diversion, restorative justice, and more — searchable, categorised, and growing.
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Major research institutions contributing to our evidence base. Click markers to learn more about each organization.
Featured Research
Resisting the Incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children: Cultural Responsiveness of Diversion Programs
Scoping review of 31 studies examining 15 diversion program types for cultural responsiveness, finding wide variation in how programs address Indigenous cultural needs.
The Outcomes of Trauma-Informed Practice in Youth Justice: An Umbrella Review
Comprehensive umbrella review summarizing systematic reviews and meta-analyses (2017-2023) on trauma-informed youth justice outcomes, examining whether trauma-informed approaches produce expected results.
Youth Justice Residences: Best International Practice Evidence Reviews - Models of Youth Justice Residences
Comprehensive evidence review examining international models of youth justice residences across Anglo-American jurisdictions including Scotland, Australia, Norway and the US, identifying best practice approaches for therapeutic residential care.
The Diagrama Foundation Spain: Love & Boundaries Therapeutic Model - 35 Years of Evidence
Comprehensive overview of Diagrama Foundation's 35-year track record operating 210+ centers across Spain, serving 20,000+ people annually with therapeutic "Love & Boundaries" model combining unconditional care with clear boundaries.
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Young People's Lived Experience of Relational Practices in Therapeutic Residential Care in Australia
Qualitative research examining lived experiences of young people aged 12-18 in Australian therapeutic residential care, focusing on relational practices and trust-building with staff.
Key Findings:
- •Trust developed when staff genuinely invested time in youth wellbeing
- •Care, respect, and feeling valued critical to positive relationships
- •Constructive staff-youth relationships vital for therapeutic approach
- •Relational security extends to maintaining safe environment
- •Youth voice essential for understanding effective practices
- •Quality relationships reduce need for restrictive interventions
Resisting the Incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children: Cultural Responsiveness of Diversion Programs
Scoping review of 31 studies examining 15 diversion program types for cultural responsiveness, finding wide variation in how programs address Indigenous cultural needs.
Key Findings:
- •10 programs scored high for cultural responsiveness, 16 medium, 5 low
- •Best programs support social/emotional wellbeing through Indigenous-led, place-based approaches
- •Only 10/31 programs addressed connection to land, culture, spirituality, family
- •Indigenous-led programs show decline in offending behavior
- •Holistic approaches addressing underlying factors most effective
The Outcomes of Trauma-Informed Practice in Youth Justice: An Umbrella Review
Comprehensive umbrella review summarizing systematic reviews and meta-analyses (2017-2023) on trauma-informed youth justice outcomes, examining whether trauma-informed approaches produce expected results.
Key Findings:
- •High rates of complex trauma among justice-involved young people
- •Uncertainty remains about whether trauma-informed approaches produce expected outcomes
- •Need for more rigorous evaluation of trauma-informed interventions
- •Importance of trauma screening and assessment in youth justice settings
Lived Experiences of Youth Justice Detention in Australia: Reframing the Institution
Qualitative research exploring lived experiences in NSW and NT detention, proposing alternative relational rights-based framework.
Key Findings:
- •Current detention environments traumatizing for many youth
- •Need for trauma-informed, therapeutic environments
- •Relational rights-based framework proposed
- •Highly resourced long-term transition pathways critical
- •Youth voice essential in reform design
Community-Led Diversion of Indigenous Young People from the Justice System
Documentation of Elders-led diversion model in remote community, developed through university partnership using government administrative data.
Key Findings:
- •Elders-led model highly effective in remote settings
- •Partnership model between community and university successful
- •Administrative data critical for evaluation
- •Place-based approaches essential
- •Addresses all underlying factors, not just offending behavior
Youth Justice Residences: Best International Practice Evidence Reviews - Models of Youth Justice Residences
Comprehensive evidence review examining international models of youth justice residences across Anglo-American jurisdictions including Scotland, Australia, Norway and the US, identifying best practice approaches for therapeutic residential care.
Key Findings:
- •Missouri Model: shift from large correctional facilities to smaller therapeutic environments
- •Washington State Model: clinical approach incorporating Risk-Need-Responsivity framework
- •Scandinavian Multifunctional Treatment: combines residential care with family support
- •England/Wales Secure Children's Homes: home-like facilities with high staff ratios
- •Physical restraint area under-researched with incomplete data
- •Young people appreciate restraint when necessary for safety, but negative consequences common
- •Therapeutic, smaller-scale environments show better outcomes than large institutions
Physical Restraint and De-escalation: Best International Practice for Youth Justice Residences
Evidence brief reviewing international best practice approaches to physical restraint and de-escalation in youth justice residences, examining research across multiple jurisdictions on safe practices.
Key Findings:
- •Physical restraint area is under-researched with incomplete data
- •Usually negative consequences when restraint is used
- •Young people appreciate restraint when necessary for safety
- •Need for clear policies and staff training on restraint use
- •De-escalation techniques should be primary approach
- •Trauma-informed practices reduce need for restraint
- •Documentation and oversight critical for accountability
Youth Justice Custody: Updated Trends and Outlook 2024 - Forecast to June 2025
Analysis of changes in youth justice custody population across New Zealand residences, community homes, and placements between July 2017 and June 2024, with forecast to June 2025.
Key Findings:
- •Estimated need for maximum 173 custody beds by June 2025
- •Increased court volumes and remand cases driving custody demand
- •Overnight police custody placements increased from 154 to 418 (2022-2024)
- •Most youth in custody are on remand (proportion increased from 74% to 89%)
- •Māori remain significantly overrepresented at 81% of custody population
- •Longer custodial remands contributing to increased demand
- •Proportion on remand vs sentenced continuing to grow
Relational Security: Balancing Care and Control in Youth Justice Detention Settings in Australia
Research examining relational security approaches in Australian youth justice detention, focusing on how constructive staff-youth relationships contribute to therapeutic environments and safe settings.
Key Findings:
- •Relational security is vital component of therapeutic youth justice
- •Positive relationships between staff and youth reduce incidents
- •Balance of care and control critical for effective detention
- •Staff training in relational approaches improves outcomes
- •Therapeutic detention requires investment in relationship-building
- •Safety enhanced through quality relationships, not just physical security
The Diagrama Foundation Spain: Love & Boundaries Therapeutic Model - 35 Years of Evidence
Comprehensive overview of Diagrama Foundation's 35-year track record operating 210+ centers across Spain, serving 20,000+ people annually with therapeutic "Love & Boundaries" model combining unconditional care with clear boundaries.
Key Findings:
- •40,000+ young lives transformed since 1991
- •13.6% recidivism rate (vs 80-96% traditional detention)
- •98% program completion demonstrates engagement
- •Zero youth suicides shows safe, supportive environment
- •UN special consultative status - international recognition
- •Re-education centers with qualified social educators, not guards
- •No mechanical restraints or isolation used
- •Successfully replicated in UK, Australia, and other countries
International Juvenile Justice Observatory (IJJO): Diagrama's Global Impact
Overview of Diagrama-founded International Juvenile Justice Observatory established in Brussels (2002), promoting juvenile justice system improvements globally through research, training, technical support, and advocacy.
Key Findings:
- •Founded in Brussels 2002 by Diagrama Foundation
- •Focus on rights of children in conflict with law
- •International, interdisciplinary, rights-based perspective
- •Activities: training, research, technical support, advocacy
- •Open platform for knowledge sharing globally
- •Produces reports on European juvenile justice systems
- •Promotes restorative justice and alternatives to detention
- •Disseminates specialized resources and new developments
Victoria's Therapeutic Youth Justice Model: Risk-Need-Responsivity Approach
Overview of Victoria's evidence-based therapeutic approach using risk-need-responsivity framework, trialling family therapeutic interventions including Multi-Systemic Therapy and Functional Family Therapy for youth justice.
Key Findings:
- •Diversion and early intervention most effective for most young people
- •Risk-Need-Responsivity approach matches services to risk levels
- •Trialling Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) and Functional Family Therapy
- •Community-based interventions with strongest evidence base
- •Therapeutic Treatment Order model in effect since 2007
- •SABTS program keeps youth in community at reduced cost
- •Similar or lower sexual recidivism rates vs residential treatment
- •Strategic Plan 2020-2030 focuses on reducing reoffending
A Review of Restorative Justice Programmes for First Nations Peoples in Queensland
Comprehensive review examining restorative justice adoption for First Nations peoples in Queensland, identifying significant limitations in program capacity, uptake, and referral rates for diversionary mechanisms.
Key Findings:
- •Restorative justice adopted in significantly limited capacity in QLD
- •Significant lack of program uptake for adult programs
- •Limited referral rates hinder effective diversion
- •$134M spent 2018-2023 on youth justice service providers
- •68% ($92M) to NGOs, 32% ($42M) to First Nations-led organizations
- •Limited assessment of program effectiveness despite investment
- •Indigenous youth offending linked to systemic disadvantage, trauma, instability
- •Programs must be tailored to each community through active participation
Queensland Audit Office: Reducing Serious Youth Crime - Reoffending Analysis
Critical audit examining Queensland's youth justice outcomes, revealing 75% reoffend within 2 weeks of release and 84-96% within 12 months, despite $134M investment in rehabilitation programs.
Key Findings:
- •75% reoffended within 2 weeks of release from detention
- •84-96% reoffended within 12 months of release
- •$134M spent on youth justice services 2018-2023
- •Limited assessment of program effectiveness despite investment
- •Youth Justice Strategy 2019-2023 not implemented effectively
- •Only partial action plan developed, not for full strategy period
- •72-hour post-release plan not preventing rapid reoffending
- •Need for comprehensive evaluation of rehabilitation programs
The Intersection Between Child Protection and Youth Justice Systems
Policy paper examining the strong link between child maltreatment and youth offending, with evidence from 61 reports between 2010-2022.
Key Findings:
- •Strong evidence linking child maltreatment to youth offending
- •Children with abuse/neglect history at increased risk of offending
- •Prevention and early intervention decrease child abuse and justice involvement
- •Investment in family support reduces burden on youth justice systems
- •Need for integrated service responses
Understanding Trauma Symptoms Experienced by Young Men under Youth Justice Supervision
Study of 141 young men under youth justice supervision examining trauma symptomatology patterns and adverse childhood experiences.
Key Findings:
- •Over 90% of participants reported trauma symptoms
- •Strong correlation between ACEs and justice involvement
- •Need for trauma screening at intake
- •Mental health support critical component of supervision
- •Gender-specific considerations for young men
The Missouri Model of Juvenile Rehabilitation: Therapeutic Approach to Residential Care
Comprehensive evaluation of Missouri's pioneering shift from large correctional facilities to small therapeutic residential programs emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment, with rigorous group treatment processes.
Key Findings:
- •Recidivism rate of 24% compared to 43% (Texas) and 52% (Arizona)
- •All facilities small (max 50 youth, average 20)
- •85.3% of youth actively engaged in community after exit
- •Mechanical restraints and isolation rarely used
- •No youth suicides since training schools closed
- •Very few assaults on youth or staff reported
- •Model being replicated in Washington DC, San Jose, New Mexico, Louisiana
Rapid Evidence Review: Uses of Restorative Justice
Comprehensive evidence review of restorative justice effectiveness in Scotland, including evaluation of Glasgow youth services.
Key Findings:
- •56% participation rate in restorative processes
- •High satisfaction levels among participants
- •RJ more effective for serious crimes than minor offenses
- •Variable quality in Family Group Conferencing practices
- •Need for better communication and youth empowerment
The Effectiveness of Trauma-Informed Youth Justice: A Discussion and Review
Critical discussion and review of evidence for trauma-informed practice effectiveness in youth justice, examining theoretical foundations and practical implementation challenges.
Key Findings:
- •Trauma-informed care shows promise but needs stronger evaluation
- •Staff training is critical for successful implementation
- •Environmental and organizational changes necessary
- •Need for youth and family involvement in service design
Western Australia Aboriginal Youth Programs: Addressing Overrepresentation in Justice System
Analysis of Aboriginal youth overrepresentation in WA justice system where 71% of children in detention were Aboriginal despite being 6% of youth population, examining community-led solutions and diversionary programs.
Key Findings:
- •71% of children in detention were Aboriginal (only 6% of youth population)
- •First Nations youth 27 times more likely to be under supervision
- •40 times overrepresentation in detention vs 25 times in community supervision
- •Community-led justice reinvestment programs keep kids out of jail
- •Local First Nations programs often insufficiently funded
- •Magistrates report funding gaps make detention more likely option
- •Lack of focus on youth offender needs vs adult initiatives
- •Declining commitment to diversion principle by police
Indigenous Youth Justice Programs Evaluation
Australian Government-funded evaluation examining effectiveness of four programs designed to divert Indigenous people from the justice system.
Key Findings:
- •NT Police Pre-Court Juvenile Diversion shows Indigenous youth less likely to re-offend
- •Community-led models most effective for remote communities
- •Elders involvement critical to program success
- •Programs must address all underlying factors driving justice contact
NSW Youth Koori Court: Impact on Sentencing and Re-offending Outcomes
Comprehensive BOCSAR evaluation of Youth Koori Court established in 2015 at Parramatta, expanded to Surry Hills (2019) and Dubbo (2023), examining custody rates and reoffending outcomes for Aboriginal young people.
Key Findings:
- •40% less likely to receive custodial sentence at court finalisation
- •84% less likely to receive custody at re-conviction if reoffended
- •Average custody time reduced from 57 days to 25 days
- •Overwhelming support from staff, stakeholders, participants and families
- •Uses Elders and respected people to develop Action and Support Plans
- •Addresses risk factors: homelessness, education, health, drug/alcohol
- •Improves cultural connections and community engagement
- •No statistically significant reduction in reoffending (but reduced custody when reoffending occurs)
Trauma-Informed Interventions for At-Risk and Justice-Involved Youth: A Meta-Analysis
Comprehensive meta-analysis examining effectiveness of trauma-informed interventions for at-risk and justice-involved youth across multiple studies.
Key Findings:
- •Trauma-informed interventions show moderate positive effects
- •Effects strongest for mental health outcomes
- •Less clear evidence for reducing recidivism
- •Quality of implementation matters significantly
- •Need for fidelity monitoring and evaluation
Blueprint for Change: Adapting Diagrama Foundation Model to Northern Territory
Comprehensive report following 2019 Diagrama Foundation visit to Northern Territory, examining how Spain's "Love & Boundaries" therapeutic model could be adapted to NT youth justice context with cultural safety for Indigenous youth.
Key Findings:
- •Diagrama achieves 13.6% recidivism vs 80-96% in traditional systems
- •98% program completion rate with 30+ hours weekly education
- •Zero youth suicides in Diagrama facilities demonstrates safety
- •70%+ employment/education placement within 6 months
- •Cultural adaptation critical for Indigenous NT youth
- •5-stage model (Reception → Stabilisation → Development → Autonomy → Integration)
- •Social educator model professionalizes youth work
- •Cost-effective at €70,000 annually per youth
Washington State Juvenile Rehabilitation Integrated Treatment Model: Outcomes and Implementation
Legislative report examining Washington State's evidence-based Integrated Treatment Model (ITM) combining cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches for serious juvenile offenders in residential and community settings.
Key Findings:
- •Employment rates increased by 34% after ITM implementation
- •Re-arrest rates declined by 10%
- •Evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) core to model
- •Risk-Need-Responsivity framework integrated throughout
- •Positive impact on long-term functioning documented
- •Fidelity assessment shows strong implementation
- •Model effective in both residential and community settings
Therapeutic Residential Care: An Update on Current Issues in Australia
AIFS policy paper examining therapeutic residential care models across Australian states and territories, addressing complexity of need for young people unable to live in home-based care arrangements.
Key Findings:
- •TRC involves purposefully constructed multi-dimensional living environment
- •Intensive and time-limited care responding to trauma impacts
- •Only 7.3% of out-of-home care population in residential care nationally
- •Typically 3-4 children per suburban house with minimally qualified staff
- •Criticized as "rebranding" exercise in some jurisdictions
- •Inconsistent implementation identified as major concern
- •Need for culturally and linguistically competent care documented
Youth Justice in New Zealand: Restorative Justice in Practice
Landmark study examining New Zealand's restorative justice approach through Family Group Conferences, considered an international exemplar.
Key Findings:
- •86% of victims satisfied with restorative justice conference
- •84% would recommend restorative justice to others
- •Young offenders diverted from courts and custody successfully
- •System achieved many but not all wellbeing goals
- •International model adopted by many countries
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