ABSTRACT
After almost 20 years of researching and studying aversion programs for juveniles, Finckenauer and other criminologists have concluded that Scared Straight and similar programs are failures (Finckenauer, Gavin, Hovland, & Storvoll, 1999; Sherman et al., 1998).5 Nonetheless, such programs persist, usually with public and governmental approval. The underlying theory of all such programs is criminal deterrence. Program advocates believe that the realistic depiction of adult prison will deter juvenile delinquents or children at risk10 from becoming delinquent and from further involvement with crime (Finckenauer, 1982; Szymanski & Fleming, 1971).
