Youth Opportunity is a data-driven organization, leveraging technology through the use of interactive dashboarding of key performance indicators and internal analytics to guide decision-making. We employ proven, Evidence-based Practices (EBPs) to ensure successful outcomes for youth, as well as peer-reviewed scientific research from our internal research department to guide practice and policies where research gaps exist. As such, Youth Opportunity both provides the most effective treatment solutions to youth and families, as well as leads through innovation with empirically validated results.

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Evidence-based interventions and treatment are provided in trauma-informed settings, and are individualized, strengths-based, and targeted to validated actuarial assessment of risk and criminogenic needs, as well as the clinical presentation of each youth. Evidence-based practices are defined as: 

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Treatment and practices which have been independently evaluated and found to reduce the likelihood of recidivism or at least two risk factors/criminogenic needs, with the target population. The evaluation must have used sound methodology, including, but not limited to, random assignment, use of adequate control groups, valid and reliable measures, low attrition, and appropriate statistical analysis. Such studies shall provide evidence of statistically significant positive effects of adequate size and duration. In addition, there must be evidence that replication by different implementation teams at different sites is possible with similar positive outcomes.

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Selecting and training staff on evidence-based practices is only the first step. As explained by Dr. Baglivio and colleagues (2018): 

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The importance of proper implementation and continuous fidelity adherence, even for the most prolific, well-researched “evidence-based” interventions, has been elucidated in prior work (Barnoski, 2004; Fixen, Blasé, Timbers, and Wolff, 2001; Gottfredson, Gottfredson, and Czeh, 2000; Mihalic, 2004). This line of scholarship has informed practitioners that interventions selected must be carefully and fully implemented, and continually maintain fidelity, in hopes of achieving results similar to those garnered in the quality empirical evaluations.

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To ensure our treatment services deliver intended successful outcomes, Youth Opportunity employs a treatment quality approach proven to reduce the likelihood of future antisocial behavior by 11% for each additional fidelity measure achieved (Baglivio et al., 2018). Our proven treatment quality process, QUALITY, builds clinical proficiency, provides regular feedback (through supervision and fidelity monitoring), and ensures clinical staff demonstrate the highest level of skill, upon which they are evaluated.

 

The process includes: 

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