The geographical area where the juvenile resides or school system the juvenile attends is frequently a target criterion. This type of target characteristic is necessary to distinguish the program juveniles from the comparison group juveniles. Almost all of the programs include risk assessment as a target population criterion. The risk factor score purports to be predictive of a juvenile's future involvement with criminal behavior and the criminal justice system. Counties are using a full range of risk categories in identifying the target population for a program.
Some programs target only one gender while others include both males and females.
Those juveniles participating in programs using a true experimental research design must meet the criteria for being included in the pool of available research subjects and then be selected randomly from that subject pool. Therefore, an accurate assessment of the needs of the juvenile is essential to the success of the program. To ensure effective assessment, programs have included the following in their assessment processes. Standardized assessment tools when feasible and desirable. Multi-jurisdictional involvement in assessment, including probation, mental heath, and schools so that a complete picture of the capabilities and needs of the juveniles can be developed.