Rikers Island Youth Social Impact Bond Project Ends, Failed To Meet 10% Recidivism Reduction Goal

On August 31, 2015, New York City will end its social impact bond project for the Adolescent Behavioral Learning Experience (ABLE) program at the Rikers Island correctional facility because the participant recidivism rate in the first year evaluation was below the expected benchmark of 10% required for the city to pay the investors. The ABLE program launched in 2012; it provided juveniles ages 16 to 18 detained at the Rikers Island jail with an evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy program. Under the terms of the social impact bond structure, the program was funded by private investors who would recoup their . . .