February 20, 2018

NYC Opportunity has released an evaluation of the NYC Department of Probation Arches Transformative Mentoring program (Arches), which finds that it produces a significant positive impact on recidivism. Arches is a group mentoring program serving young adult probation clients that uses an evidence-based journaling curriculum centered on cognitive behavioral principles. Participants are matched with mentors who have backgrounds similar to their own, known as “credible messengers.”

The evaluation, which was conducted by the Urban Institute with support from the Department of Probation, finds that young adult probation clients who participated in Arches are significantly less likely to be reconvicted of a felony.

Key findings include:

• Arches reduces the one-year felony reconviction rate of participants by 69% and reduces two-year felony reconviction by 57%, relative to a group of similar young probationers not participating in the program. Recidivism impact is driven by reductions among participants under age 18.
• Arches participant assessments show improvements in relationships with others and in participants’ self-perception.
• Factors credited with supporting program success include: mentors’ status as credible messengers, a family-like atmosphere within the program, strong working relationships between program providers and the Department of Probation, and high-quality training and technical assistance services delivered to provider staff.

The evaluation used a quasi-experimental design to compare recidivism outcomes at 12 and 24 months for Arches participants and a matched comparison group. The evaluation also assessed participant and staff experiences in the program, identified best practices associated with successful operation, and presented recommendations for program enhancement.

To learn more read the press release or download the Arches Transformative Mentoring Program: An Implementation and Impact Evaluation in New York City.