Juvenile DelinquencyNCT07516080
Feasibility Trial of a Correctional Management for Juvenile Offenders
A study testing A Correctional Management for Juvenile Offenders in people with Juvenile Delinquency, run by University of the Punjab at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a structured Correctional Management intervention can be feasibly implemented with incarcerated juveniles in a correctional institution. It will also assess whether the research procedures can be successfully carried out with this population. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 11 to 17 years, men only
- Conditions the study is for
- Juvenile Delinquency
- What is being tested?
- A Correctional Management for Juvenile Offenders
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 56 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 11 Mar 2026to 30 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 11 to 17 years
- Men only
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Male juvenile offenders aged 11 to 17 years
- Currently residing in a correctional institution
- Able to understand Urdu and participate in group-based sessions
- Provide informed assent
Who cannot join
- Presence of a severe psychiatric condition requiring immediate or intensive clinical treatment
- Significant cognitive impairment or developmental condition that limits ability to engage in the intervention
- Currently receiving another structured psychological or behavioral intervention
- Medical or behavioral condition that would interfere with safe participation, as determined by institutional staff or the researcher
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a structured Correctional Management intervention can be feasibly implemented with incarcerated juveniles in a correctional institution. It will also assess whether the research procedures can be successfully carried out with this population.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Read more
- Can participants be effectively recruited, retained, and engaged, and can the intervention be delivered acceptably with adequate therapist adherence and complete outcome data collection?
- Does the intervention demonstrate preliminary effectiveness? Researcher will compare an experimental (intervention) group to a control group receiving standard institutional management to see if the intervention can be practically delivered and is associated with initial changes in outcomes.
Participants will:
- Be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group
- Complete assessments at baseline (before the intervention) and post-intervention
- Attend structured intervention sessions (if assigned to the experimental group)
- Complete standardized self-report measures assessing emotional and behavioral difficulties, psychological capital, criminal thinking styles, attitudes toward seeking mental health services, emotion regulation, and moral disengagement
Read the detailed description
This study is a parallel-group randomized feasibility trial designed to evaluate the practicality of implementing a structured Correctional Management Plan for juvenile offenders residing in a correctional institutional setting. The study will recruit a total of 30 participants, who will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either an experimental intervention group or a control group receiving routine institutional management.
The primary objective of the trial is to assess the feasibility of implementing the intervention. The primary outcomes of this feasibility study include recruitment feasibility, retention/completion rate, participant adherence, intervention fidelity, and intervention acceptability.
Secondary exploratory objectives include estimating preliminary effects of the intervention on psychological and behavioral outcomes relevant to juvenile rehabilitation. These outcomes will be measured using standardized self-report instruments administered at two time points: baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately following completion of the intervention (post-intervention).
Participants assigned to the experimental group will receive a structured Correctional Management Plan consisting of 15 group-based sessions delivered twice a week, with each session lasting approximately 90 to 120 minutes. The intervention will be delivered by a qualified psychologist and will span approximately 7-8 weeks. The program follows a structured protocol incorporating cognitive-behavioral strategies, emotion regulation training, moral reasoning exercises, identity development components, and future orientation planning. Sessions include structured discussions, guided reflection, skill rehearsal, and behavioral accountability activities within a therapeutic group setting.
Participants assigned to the control group will continue to receive standard institutional management and routine services provided by the correctional facility during the study period. Eligible participants will be identified through institutional records.
- Conditions
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Being tested
- A Correctional Management for Juvenile Offenders
- Keywords
- Juvenile offenders, Incarcerated Juveniles, delinquency, juvenile delinquent, feasibility trial, rct, randomized controlled trial, correctional management, psychological intervention, behavioral intervention, Youth in detention, adolescents, pilot study
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
A Correctional Management for Juvenile OffendersBehavioural
Juveniles often face a range of psychological, emotional, and behavioral difficulties that contribute to their engagement in harmful or delinquent behaviors such as theft, physical fights, property offenses, and in some cases more serious acts including violent or sexual offenses and drug-related activities. Many struggle with impulsivity, difficulty in regulating their emotions, moral disengagement, and difficulties in understanding the consequences of their actions.
This structured therapeutic intervention aims to support psychological rehabilitation of incarcerated juveniles through 15 group-based sessions. The program targets emotional awareness, emotion regulation, cognitive restructuring, accountability, empathy, understanding consequences of behavior, consent awareness, identity development, relapse prevention, and future planning to promote reintegration.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Correctional Management for Juvenile Offenders | Experimental | Participants assigned to this arm will receive a structured Correctional Management Plan delivered in a group format over approximately 7-8 weeks. The intervention consists of 15 sessions conducted twice weekly, with each session lasting 90-120 minutes. The program is delivered by a trained psychologist and follows a structured manual incorporating cognitive-behavioral techniques, emotion regulation training, moral reasoning, identity development, and future planning. Sessions include guided discussions, skill-building exercises, behavioral activities, and reflective tasks aimed at improving psychological and behavioral functioning among juvenile offenders. Receives: Behavioral: A Correctional Management for Juvenile Offenders |
| Standard Institutional Management (Control) | No intervention | Participants assigned to this arm will continue to receive standard institutional management and routine services provided by the correctional facility during the study period. No structured psychological intervention or additional therapeutic program will be introduced as part of the study. Participants will complete baseline and post-intervention assessments at the same time points as the experimental group. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Recruitment Rate
Recruitment rate will be defined as the proportion of eligible participants who provide informed consent to participate in the study. This will be calculated during the recruitment phase at baseline and reported as a percentage, reflecting the feasibility of enrolling participants into the intervention.
Measured: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Retention Rate
Retention rate will be defined as the proportion of participants who remain in the study and complete the post-intervention assessment. This outcome will be assessed from baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks) and reported as a percentage, indicating the ability to maintain participant involvement over time.
Measured: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Participant Adherence
Participant adherence will be measured by session attendance, calculated as the number of sessions attended out of a total of 15 sessions. This may also be expressed as a percentage and will be assessed across the intervention period (7-8 weeks), providing an indication of participant engagement with the program.
Measured: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Intervention Fidelity
Intervention fidelity will be evaluated using a structured fidelity checklist to assess the extent to which the intervention is delivered in accordance with the established protocol. Fidelity scores will be reported as a percentage, reflecting the consistency and quality of intervention delivery throughout the study period
Measured: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Acceptability of the Intervention
Acceptability will be assessed at post-intervention using the Acceptability of Intervention Measure, a 4-item self-report scale rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (completely disagree) to 5 (completely agree), yielding a total score range of 4 to 20. Higher scores indicate greater perceived acceptability of the intervention.
Measured: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Secondary outcomes (6)
Change from Baseline in Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties (SDQ)
Assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), a 25-item self-report measure of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, and prosocial behavior. Total Difficulties scores range from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating greater emotional and behavioral problems.
Measured: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Change from Baseline in Psychological Capital (APS)
Psychological capital will be assessed using the Anila Psychological Capital Scale, a 34-item self-report measure assessing resilience, hope, self-efficacy, and optimism. Each item is rated on a Likert scale, with total scores ranging from 34 to 170. Higher scores indicate greater psychological capital (i.e., a better outcome). Change from baseline will be evaluated from pre-intervention to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks).
Measured: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Change from Baseline in Criminal Thinking Styles (JCTSI)
Criminal thinking styles will be assessed using the Juvenile Criminal Thinking Styles Inventory, a 52-item self-report measure comprising three subscales: Juvenile Social Alienation Scale (18 items), Juvenile Vindication Scale (19 items), and Juvenile Domination Scale (15 items). All items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Subscale scores range from 18 to 90 for social alienation, 19 to 95 for vindication, and 15 to 75 for domination, while the total score ranges from 52 to 260. Higher scores indicate greater levels of maladaptive criminal thinking (i.e., a worse outcome). Change from baseline will be assessed from pre-intervention to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks).
Measured: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Change from Baseline in Emotion Regulation (ERQ)
Emotion regulation will be assessed using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, a 10-item self-report measure comprising two independent subscales: Cognitive Reappraisal (6 items) and Expressive Suppression (4 items). Each item is rated on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Subscale scores are calculated separately, with Cognitive Reappraisal scores ranging from 6 to 42 and Expressive Suppression scores ranging from 4 to 28. Higher scores on Cognitive Reappraisal indicate greater use of adaptive emotion regulation (i.e., a better outcome), whereas higher scores on Expressive Suppression indicate greater use of a less adaptive strategy (i.e., a worse outcome). Change from baseline will be evaluated from pre-intervention to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks).
Measured: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Change from Baseline in Moral Disengagement (MDSA)
Moral disengagement will be assessed using the Moral Disengagement Scale for Adolescents, a 24-item self-report measure designed to assess cognitive mechanisms used to justify harmful behavior among adolescents. Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale with response options ranging from "Not at all agree" to "Always agree," yielding a total score range of 24 to 120. Higher scores indicate greater levels of moral disengagement (i.e., a worse outcome). Change from baseline will be assessed from pre-intervention to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks).
Measured: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Change from Baseline in Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services
The Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS), developed by Mackenzie et al. (2004), is a 24-item self-report measure designed to assess attitudes toward seeking professional mental health services. The scale evaluates attitudes across three domains: Psychological Openness, Help-Seeking Propensity, and Indifference to Stigma. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (disagree) to 4 (agree). The total score ranges from 0 to 96. Each of the three subscales consists of 8 items and yields scores ranging from 0 to 32. Higher scores reflect more favorable attitudes toward seeking mental health services
Measured: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 Apr 2026
- Study start11 Mar 2026
- Primary completion30 Jun 2026
- Study completion30 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Juvenile DelinquencyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of the Punjab
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Shahmeen Noor, University of the Punjab
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07516080
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- No. D/28/FIMS
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 25 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 10 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Feasibility Trial of a Correctional Management for Juvenile Offenders
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07516080
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- No. D/28/FIMS
- Conditions
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Keywords
- Juvenile offenders, Incarcerated Juveniles, delinquency, juvenile delinquent, feasibility trial, rct, randomized controlled trial, correctional management
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of the PunjabUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 11 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 7 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a structured Correctional Management intervention can be feasibly implemented with incarcerated juveniles in a correctional institution. It will also assess whether the research procedures can be successfully carried out with this population.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Can participants be effectively recruited, retained, and engaged, and can the intervention be delivered acceptably with adequate therapist adherence and complete outcome data collection?
- Does the intervention demonstrate preliminary effectiveness? Researcher will compare an experimental (intervention) group to a control group receiving standard institutional management to see if the intervention can be practically delivered and is associated with initial changes in outcomes.
Participants will:
- Be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group
- Complete assessments at baseline (before the intervention) and post-intervention
- Attend structured intervention sessions (if assigned to the experimental group)
- Complete standardized self-report measures assessing emotional and behavioral difficulties, psychological capital, criminal thinking styles, attitudes toward seeking mental health services, emotion regulation, and moral disengagement
Detailed description
This study is a parallel-group randomized feasibility trial designed to evaluate the practicality of implementing a structured Correctional Management Plan for juvenile offenders residing in a correctional institutional setting. The study will recruit a total of 30 participants, who will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either an experimental intervention group or a control group receiving routine institutional management.
The primary objective of the trial is to assess the feasibility of implementing the intervention. The primary outcomes of this feasibility study include recruitment feasibility, retention/completion rate, participant adherence, intervention fidelity, and intervention acceptability.
Secondary exploratory objectives include estimating preliminary effects of the intervention on psychological and behavioral outcomes relevant to juvenile rehabilitation. These outcomes will be measured using standardized self-report instruments administered at two time points: baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately following completion of the intervention (post-intervention).
Participants assigned to the experimental group will receive a structured Correctional Management Plan consisting of 15 group-based sessions delivered twice a week, with each session lasting approximately 90 to 120 minutes. The intervention will be delivered by a qualified psychologist and will span approximately 7-8 weeks. The program follows a structured protocol incorporating cognitive-behavioral strategies, emotion regulation training, moral reasoning exercises, identity development components, and future orientation planning. Sessions include structured discussions, guided reflection, skill rehearsal, and behavioral accountability activities within a therapeutic group setting.
Participants assigned to the control group will continue to receive standard institutional management and routine services provided by the correctional facility during the study period. Eligible participants will be identified through institutional records.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Correctional Management for Juvenile Offenders | Experimental | Behavioral: A Correctional Management for Juvenile OffendersParticipants assigned to this arm will receive a structured Correctional Management Plan delivered in a group format over approximately 7-8 weeks. The intervention consists of 15 sessions conducted twice weekly, with each session lasting 90-120 minutes. The program is delivered by a trained psychologist and follows a structured manual incorporating cognitive-behavioral techniques, emotion regulation training, moral reasoning, identity development, and future planning. Sessions include guided discussions, skill-building exercises, behavioral activities, and reflective tasks aimed at improving psychological and behavioral functioning among juvenile offenders. |
| Standard Institutional Management (Control) | No intervention | –Participants assigned to this arm will continue to receive standard institutional management and routine services provided by the correctional facility during the study period. No structured psychological intervention or additional therapeutic program will be introduced as part of the study. Participants will complete baseline and post-intervention assessments at the same time points as the experimental group. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 11 to 17 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Male juvenile offenders aged 11 to 17 years
- Currently residing in a correctional institution
- Able to understand Urdu and participate in group-based sessions
- Provide informed assent
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Presence of a severe psychiatric condition requiring immediate or intensive clinical treatment
- Significant cognitive impairment or developmental condition that limits ability to engage in the intervention
- Currently receiving another structured psychological or behavioral intervention
- Medical or behavioral condition that would interfere with safe participation, as determined by institutional staff or the researcher
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| A Correctional Management for Juvenile OffendersJuveniles often face a range of psychological, emotional, and behavioral difficulties that contribute to their engagement in harmful or delinquent behaviors such as theft, physical fights, property offenses, and in some cases more serious acts including violent or sexual offenses and drug-related activities. Many struggle with impulsivity, difficulty in regulating their emotions, moral disengagement, and difficulties in understanding the consequences of their actions. This structured therapeutic intervention aims to support psychological rehabilitation of incarcerated juveniles through 15 group-based sessions. The program targets emotional awareness, emotion regulation, cognitive restructuring, accountability, empathy, understanding consequences of behavior, consent awareness, identity development, relapse prevention, and future planning to promote reintegration. | Behavioural | Correctional Management for Juvenile Offenders |
Primary outcome
Recruitment Rate
Time frame: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Recruitment rate will be defined as the proportion of eligible participants who provide informed consent to participate in the study. This will be calculated during the recruitment phase at baseline and reported as a percentage, reflecting the feasibility of enrolling participants into the intervention.
Retention Rate
Time frame: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Retention rate will be defined as the proportion of participants who remain in the study and complete the post-intervention assessment. This outcome will be assessed from baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks) and reported as a percentage, indicating the ability to maintain participant involvement over time.
Participant Adherence
Time frame: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Participant adherence will be measured by session attendance, calculated as the number of sessions attended out of a total of 15 sessions. This may also be expressed as a percentage and will be assessed across the intervention period (7-8 weeks), providing an indication of participant engagement with the program.
Intervention Fidelity
Time frame: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Intervention fidelity will be evaluated using a structured fidelity checklist to assess the extent to which the intervention is delivered in accordance with the established protocol. Fidelity scores will be reported as a percentage, reflecting the consistency and quality of intervention delivery throughout the study period
Acceptability of the Intervention
Time frame: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Acceptability will be assessed at post-intervention using the Acceptability of Intervention Measure, a 4-item self-report scale rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (completely disagree) to 5 (completely agree), yielding a total score range of 4 to 20. Higher scores indicate greater perceived acceptability of the intervention.
6 secondary outcomes
Change from Baseline in Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties (SDQ)
Time frame: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Change from Baseline in Psychological Capital (APS)
Time frame: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Change from Baseline in Criminal Thinking Styles (JCTSI)
Time frame: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Change from Baseline in Emotion Regulation (ERQ)
Time frame: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Change from Baseline in Moral Disengagement (MDSA)
Time frame: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Change from Baseline in Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services
Time frame: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing A Correctional Management for Juvenile Offenders in people with Juvenile Delinquency, run by University of the Punjab at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Recruitment Rate (time frame: From baseline to post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Sep 2026.