ABSTRACT
Understanding what works to prevent and reduce youth crime often relies on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to provide insights into intervention effectiveness. However, there are several challenges to conducting high-quality RCTs that may be more pronounced in this field due to the complex circumstances and background characteristics of justice populations. The RCT evidence base for Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) is used as an example to illustrate barriers to understanding what works. It is apparent many effects of MST seen in the United States are not replicated in other contexts such as the UK, where there is a stronger “usual care” welfare system. This highlights the importance of considering local context and population needs in service planning. We discuss a complementary approach to evidence generation based on quasi-experimental methods that leverage and build on administrative linked data platforms. The increasing availability of administrative data is an opportunity to improve the quality of the evidence base we rely on to design, deliver, and evaluate services seeking to prevent youth crime. Without a strategically designed and appropriately funded system-wide intelligent information infrastructure, we will be limited in our ability to measure the success of investments to improve justice outcomes for young people in Australia.
