When the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launched Reclaiming Futures, it included funding to evaluate the initiative. The national evaluation has been conducted by the Urban Institute in Washington, DC working in collaboration with the Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago.

This independent evaluation shows the 10 communities that piloted the Reclaiming Futures model report positive and significant improvements in juvenile justice and drug and alcohol treatment.

The evaluation measured the quality of substance abuse interventions for young people in the juvenile justice system. During the first phase of Reclaiming Futures from 2002 through 2007, researchers conducted biannual surveys in 10 pilot communities, tracking how and whether the processes, policies, leadership dynamics and personal relationships led to system change.

Twice annually between December 2003 and June 2006, the national evaluation team surveyed 30 to 40 professionals and community partners thought to be the most well-informed people about the quality of juvenile justice and substance abuse services in their communities. These individuals were invited to fill out a comprehensive survey that measured the quality and effectiveness of juvenile justice services and substance abuse treatment.

Their responses were compared over time to assess the direction and magnitude of system change.

See the evaluation results

See a list of the national evaluation contacts.