Abstract
The reintegration process of over 200,000 individuals from the juvenile justice system occurs each year nationally. The majority of those 200,000 youth returns to the juvenile justice system, or moves into the adult prison system within one year. The purpose of this study is to explore the current models for reintegration and aim to identify an effective practice model in the literature to decrease recidivism rates for juvenile offenders. By reviewing the social work and criminal justice literature, the author finds reintegration practice models and suggestions for policy improvements for this population. Through a secondary data analysis, this study offers an in-depth examination of the Missouri Model of Juvenile Justice, in a case study. The model is chosen for its national recognition as a successful model in reducing recidivism rates and as an effective integrative practice model. In conclusion, the author encourages social workers to collaborate with the criminal justice and psychology fields in order to improve v aftercare services for juvenile offenders and help develop programs that are integrative to improve youth outcomes.