A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of the youth crime prevention program ‘New Perspectives’ (NP): Post-treatment changes and moderator effects

New Perspectives (NP) aims to prevent that youth at onset of a criminal career will develop a more persistent criminal behavior pattern. The study aim was to examine whether NP was effective relative to care as usual in preventing and reducing (persistent) delinquency. Moreover, we examined improvements in secondary outcomes (e.g., peer and parent relationships and cognitive distortions) and other outcomes (e.g., substance use and self-esteem). At-risk youth (N=101) aged 12 to 19years were randomly assigned to the intervention group (NP, n=47) or control group (‘care as usual’, n=54). The effects of the NP intensive phase (3months after program start) and aftercare phase (6months after program start) were analyzed. NP and care as usual did not differ on any of the outcome measures at both post-test occasions. The effects of NP were the same for boys and girls, different age groups, and ethnic groups. The overall null-effects are discussed, including implications for further research, policy, and practice. •This study examined the short term effects of a youth crime prevention program.•The prevention program did not outperform care as usual.•The effectiveness could be enhanced by integrating specific behavior-oriented components.•A careful match between program intensity and clients' risk levels is crucial.•Implementing effective evaluation systems of treatment adherence is highly recommended.