@article{EngelGoergTraxler, author = {Engel, Christoph and Goerg, Sebastian and Traxler, Christian}, title = {Intensified support for juvenile offenders on probation: Evidence from Germany}, series = {Journal of Empirical Legal Studies}, volume = {19}, journal = {Journal of Empirical Legal Studies}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1111/jels.12311}, pages = {447 -- 490}, abstract = {This paper studies a probation program in Cologne, Germany. The program, which has a clear rehabilitative focus, offers intensified personal support to serious juvenile offenders over the first 6 months of their probation period. To evaluate the program's impact on recidivism, we draw on two research designs. Firstly, a small-scale randomized trial assigns offenders to probation with regular or intensified support. Secondly, a regression discontinuity design exploits a cutoff that defines program eligibility. The results suggest that the program reduces recidivism. The effect seems persistent over at least 3 years. Our evidence further indicates that the drop in recidivism is strongest among less severe offenders.}, language = {en} }