How can we better support youth while improving public safety? The third brief from the Youth Protective Factors Study explores answers, drawing on multiyear, multistate data about the risk and protective factors that shape reoffending among youth ages 10 to 23.  

Key insights from this brief: 

• Many low-risk youth receive no services, yet most do not reoffend. This suggests system involvement often is not necessary.
• Certain risk factors such as family circumstances, school behavior, and peer relations are stronger predictors of violent reoffending and should be prioritized for services.
• High-risk youth often do not receive the type, dosage, or quality of services needed to reduce reoffending. 

Bottom line: To improve public safety and youth outcomes, we must rethink how services are delivered by prioritizing targeted, evidence-based interventions for those at highest risk. 

Read the brief here: