JBAS Evaluation

An independent review of the COPS-funded Justice Based After-School (JBAS) pilot program found that the program has a positive impact on students, police officers, and others involved in the effort. The study documented five of the six JBAS sites that served as pilot training sites in 2000. In 2001, those sites received additional funding to consolidate the first year achievements and bolster the overall sustainability of their programs. Conducted by William R. Blount and Associates, Inc., the study specifically found that:

• Participating youths' academic performance and behavior improved significantly over time.
• Participating youth earned significantly higher grades in academic and behavioral areas than did a matched control group.
• Participating youth showed significant improvements in self-esteem.
• Seventy-six percent of the participating youth said that being in the program prevented them from being in a gang and 88 percent said that being in the program helped them to say no to gang membership.
• Parents, youth, partners, and teachers all indicated a high level of satisfaction with the after-school programs, the staff, and the police officers.
• Participating youth exhibited positive behavior changes both in and out of school. This includes better social skills, better grades, a willingness to take responsibility, self discipline, more respect for others, more self respect, and more self confidence.

See also:

A Final Report on the COPS Office Justice Based After-School (JBAS) Pilot Program