Advances in the psychological treatment of delinquent behaviour *

This paper offers an overview of behavioural and cognitive— behavioural approaches to working with young offenders. The literature is considered in terms of individualised programmes and residential and community programmes. Despite the range and numbers of these and other studies, until recently there was no clear picture of the effectiveness of treatment programmes with young offenders. The development of the statistical technique of meta‐analysis, however, now allows the effective components of treatment programmes to be identified with some degree of confidence. A summary of the findings of the most recent meta‐analyses is given. Finally, suggestions are offered both to identify and to overcome barriers to successful programme design and effectiveness.