Research Team
Project Overview
The Crime and Justice Policy Lab is partnering with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services to conduct an evaluation of the Thrive Academy. The Thrive Academy is designed to target youth most at risk of committing or being victims of gun violence. Identified youth will be provided with a specialized case manager and life coach. Together, they will develop and work through a life plan, which includes individualized needs and goals, as well as incentives for reaching milestones. The life plan can include goals concerning education, employment, family goals, and behavioral health. Life coaches will routinely meet with participants one-on-one, including multiple contacts per week. Thrive is a 6-month program but can last longer depending on the needs of a participant. The Thrive Academy is being implemented in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County, and Anne Arundel County.
The CJP will conduct an implementation evaluation and an outcome evaluation of the Thrive Academy, using qualitative and quantitative methods, respectively.
The implementation evaluation (i.e., what did they do and how did they do it), will be conducted via qualitative approaches. The qualitative component includes observations of the Thrive Academy’s key processes and focus groups with DJS staff and community partners/service providers. Additionally, it involves interviews with DJS staff, service providers, Thrive Academy youth, and their families to gather insights on their experiences with and perceptions of the Academy.
The outcome evaluation will use quantitative methods and data to evaluate key outcomes of the Thrive Academy including:
- Youth involvement in gun violence
- Youth victimization of gun violence
- Youth recidivism
