Research Triangle Institute tracked 516 Level II juvenile repeat offenders, half of whom were referred to our multipurpose homes by the NC Department of Public Safety.

Methodist Home for Children admitted the highest-risk Level II youth in the system — youth with more serious juvenile or criminal offenses than the general Level II population. About 9 in 10 had mental health needs and nearly 1 in 3 had a history of victimization (abuse or neglect).

After discharge, RTI reported, our youth had significantly better outcomes than the comparison group:

• MHC youth with the highest risk and needs levels showed the greatest reduction in recidivism, with a rate of 55.7% compared to 72% (among high-risk youth).
• MHC youth charged with a person crime showed a 37% reduction over the comparison group.
• MHC youth convicted of a person crime showed a near 50% reduction over the comparison group.
• MHC youth showed statistically significant improvement in all six behaviors shown to predict future success: decision making, honesty, goals, personal development, positive self-image and empathy