Operating for over a century, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) has proven–through decades of evaluation researchthat mentorship programs for at-risk youth reduce criminal behavior and support positive outcomes for kids who participate. Given todays epidemic levels of fatherlessness, it is more critical than ever to create effective programs such as BBBSA that combat the social harm that results.
Read the research articles on the BBBSA program and identify the types of evaluation research and study designs that were used. In 750-1,000 words, address the following:
Identify and explain the findings that concluded the program was effective in meeting its intended goals.
Identify any negative or unintended program outcomes.
In creating future crime reduction programs, what can be learned and put into practice from the success of BBBSA?