Therapeutic foster care
Evidence-rated crime-reduction intervention (EMMIE).
Effect on crime
reduces crime
Evidence quality
strong
Cost
moderate
What the evidence says
Therapeutic foster care is designed for young people who cannot live at home, particularly those with behavioral problems, by providing a structured environment to develop prosocial and emotional skills. The evidence indicates that it substantially reduces crime and reoffending among participants. Meta-analysis showed significant decreases in criminal referrals and secure settings compared to control groups, with some studies reporting a 71.9% reduction in violent crime.
How it works
This intervention works by creating a structured and supportive foster care environment that separates young people from delinquent peers and teaches responsible behavior through caregiver interactions. Intensive monitoring and collaboration with other professionals enhance the effectiveness of the program.
Implementation
Successful implementation requires strong support for foster carers, regular supervision for young people, and a focus on addressing emotional issues, especially for girls. Recruitment and training of foster families should be ongoing.
Source: College of Policing Crime Reduction Toolkit (What Works Centre for Crime Reduction). Summarised 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the College of Policing.