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Is rehabilitative approach to criminal justice better for young adults? Evidence from Santa Clara County, CA

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  • Aceves, Eduardo
  • Dhital, Saroj
  • D'zatko, Kimberly

Abstract

Behavioral and psychoneurological research indicates that young adults 18 to 24 years old are likely to benefit more from rehabilitative over punitive criminal justice approaches. To test the hypothesis empirically, the paper studies the impact of a rehabilitative Young Adult Deferred Entry of Judgement (YADEJ) program in Santa Clara County, CA. By focusing on education, employment, housing, and life skills, YADEJ aims to reduce reoffending rates among young adults in Santa Clara County. The paper uses matching models as the baseline methodologies. The paper employed Difference-in-Differences and Regression Discontinuity Design to test the robustness of the baseline findings. The paper provides evidence of lower recidivism rates, in the magnitude of about 20 percentage points, among young adults who participated in the YADEJ program relative to those subject to the adult correction approach in Santa Clara County, CA. The finding is statistically significant, robust, and quantitatively meaningful.

Suggested Citation

  • Aceves, Eduardo & Dhital, Saroj & D'zatko, Kimberly, 2025. "Is rehabilitative approach to criminal justice better for young adults? Evidence from Santa Clara County, CA," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcjust:v:99:y:2025:i:c:s004723522500090x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2025.102441
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