Feds Speak Out Against A&E’s 'Beyond Scared Straight'

Ask a supporter of “Scared Straight” tactics how they know the approach is effective in reforming troubled youth and they’ll likely give you a “it would have worked for me” sort of answer. Ask anyone educated in the field of juvenile justice how they know it doesn’t work and they will point to a body of research. Which do you think is more convincing?

Sure, a gut feeling tells us scaring kids away from crime might work -- after all, parents threaten and yell at their kids every single day. But study after study has shown the tactics being used in A&E’s Beyond Scared Straight television series to not only be ineffective, but potentially harmful to the kids involved.

Providing a reality check to those who too easily dismiss the evidence, Assistant General for the Office of Justice Programs Laurie O. Robinson and the acting Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Jeff Slowikowski have warned states that research -- and the federal government -- strongly oppose the use of scared straight tactics as a means of juvenile reform. They write that “states that operate such programs could have their federal funding reduced” for not following the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA).

Unlike a gut feeling or the belief that it would work for “some bad kids I know," the federal officials left little to interpretation. They said the program doesn’t work, cited research, pointed to rules in the JJDPA that forbade the tactics, and threatened states with reduction in funding.

Two states have already responded. Just a few short days after the Op-Ed from the federal officials was published, correction officials in both Maryland and California announced they would be suspending their Scared Straight programs. The only other state featured in the A&E series, South Carolina, indicated the new corrections chief would be reviewing the policy soon as well.

As I reported for Change.org last month, the A&E network experienced record viewership on the night their new Beyond Scared Straight program premiered. Big money can often cloud the vision of officials when it comes to doing what’s right—that’s no surprise. What still surprises me, however, is the arguments used in defense of the scare tactics. Despite hard evidence showing the programs don’t work, particularly when compared with other options, supporters are quick to point to Johnny down the street who would certainly benefit from something like this or to their own experience as a youth claiming they wish someone had yelled at them more. Even the program’s own producer has brushed off research stating “academic studies don’t work.” Umm ... okay Mr. Shapiro.

It appears as if the states where the program was filmed may be the catalyst for change in this situation. Though nearly 400 Change.org members have written to A&E executives demanding they tell the truth about scared straight program, there has been no response thus far. The series continues to play on, belittling kids in front of millions, cushioning the shouting with heart to heart discussions and tears. This isn’t good television—it’s real life. And while reality TV has found a place in nearly every American home, Beyond Scared Straight creates show business out of real life tragedy and stands to hurt the kids it claims to help.

Let your voice be heard. Sign the Campaign For Youth Justice petition below and ask A&E to rethink their big money maker Beyond Scared Straight.

Photo Credit: Sarah