No Halo News · Sourced development
Four-year randomized trial found Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring reduced reported violent delinquency and recurring substance use
A peer-reviewed randomized controlled trial following 1,353 young people for four years found significantly lower rates of violence-related delinquent behavior and recurring substance use among youth offered access to the community-based mentoring program. Researchers also reported favorable effects on several measures of mental health, personal skills, academic performance and caregiver behavior. Effects on property-related delinquency and arrests were not statistically significant.
Status matters. This page records a sourced development, not a completed No Halo investigation. An allegation is not a finding. Dismissals, settlements, judgments, corrections and final outcomes remain distinct.
Donor relevance
Why this matters
The study supplies strong independent evidence that the charity's core mentoring model can reduce some serious youth risk behaviors while improving several developmental measures.
Attribution
Who reported or established this
Researchers David DuBois, Carla Herrera, Julius Rivera, Vanessa Brechling and Staci Root reported the results in a peer-reviewed journal.
Evidence limits
What remains unverified
No Halo has not independently replicated the analysis, established effects beyond the study population or determined whether every local affiliate delivers the model with comparable quality.
Right of reply
Organization response
No separate response from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America was located in the consulted research material.
Classification
How No Halo records this event
Event type: Independent Impact Evidence. Current state: Reported. No Halo preserves the current procedural state rather than treating every mention as a finding.
Published April 7, 2026 · Last verified September 16, 2026. See an error or a later outcome? Submit a correction or right of reply.