Program Philosophy & Mission

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The Oklahoma First Time Offender program has been in place statewide since 1995. The first research evaluation was performed by The Institute for Public Affairs of the University of  Oklahoma with Dr. Thomas E. James as the Principal Investigator in 1996. The study revealed  that 90% of the youth and 94% of the adults thought they would be able to handle their problems  better. 72% of the adolescents and 94% percent of adults said they would recommend the program  to their friends. An OAYS evaluation 2 years later culminated with a statewide conference  reviewing the positive effects of the program and the low recidivism rates. The most recent  statewide recidivism rate for youth completing the program was 8.1%. 

 

More recently in partnership with Dr. Isaac Washburn, OAYS conducted an evaluation of FTOP.  The summary report states: 

We tested six major indicators and several specific indicators: family cohesion, emotion  regulation (split into anger and sadness), hopefulness, decision making, communication  between youth and parent as the major indicators and parenting confidence, having  caring adults in life, accepting responsibility, and getting encouragement as specific  indicators. The six major indicators were reported by both the youth and parent in regards  to themselves. So we have a potential effect for youth and parents. The specific indicators  were asked of only the youth or parent, with parenting confidence being asked only of  the parents and the other three only of the youth. 

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Most of the indicators showed promise of program effects for both youth and parents,  though family cohesion and having caring adults did not show any program effect and  anger regulation and decision making only showed possible effects for just youths or  parents. Where program effects were found a fairly consistent pattern was observed. First,  the indicator worsens between intake and first class suggesting a maladaptive trajectory.  The trajectory from the first class to the last class then either stops this maladaptive  trajectory as the youth or parent stabilizes or we see a return to a positive trajectory. 

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Program Description & Services Offered

Offender Program is a 14-hour educational course designed for first time  offenders and their families.

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Population Served/Admission Criteria

This program serves youth through the age of 17 and their families with a priority given to those referred by the sanctions program and the police department.

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