Evidence for the Impact of a CBT-Based Curriculum for High-Risk Young Adults

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective intervention for individuals involved in the criminal legal system. Roca, Inc., a nonprofit organization that serves the highest risk young adults in Massachusetts and Baltimore, MD, created and implemented a flexible curriculum based on the theoretical tenets of CBT, called Re-Wire. This paper presents results from a mixed-method implementation and impact evaluation—including site observations, a participant survey, and quasi-experimental analysis of administrative records—of Re-Wire CBT. Early exposure to high levels of Re-Wire CBT increased later program engagement and participants were using the skills they learned to cope with situations involving violence and interpersonal relationships, suggesting the use of flexible, CBT-informed programming can aid in reducing violence among high-risk individuals.