Evaluation of an individualized treatment program for adolescent shoplifters

This paper evaluates an individualized treatment program for adolescent shoplifters. Two hundred eighty-six juveniles charged with shoplifting were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. Treatment contracts included combinations of fines, community service, monetary restitution, written essays, anti-shoplifting videos, apology letters, and individual and/or family counseling. Results revealed that 88% of the treatment group fully completed their treatment contracts. Furthermore, following intervention, the treatment group was rated significantly higher than the control group on personal responsibility and significantly lower on the likelihood of recidivism. Finally, compared to the control group, the treatment group displayed significantly less recidivism over a two-year follow-up period. Regression analyses revealed that several at-risk background variables were significantly associated with less successful treatment outcomes.