Mobile app intervention for at-risk youth involved in juvenile justice
iKinnect2.0 for Juvenile Justice Involved Youth at Risk for Suicide
This study is testing whether a new mobile app can help young people involved in the juvenile justice system feel less suicidal and improve their coping skills compared to a standard tracking app.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Evidence-Based Practice Institute, Seattle, WA Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 2 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04909203 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial involves a 16-week randomized controlled trial with 120 transition-age youth (ages 15-21) involved in the juvenile justice system and their primary caregivers. Participants will be assigned to either the iKinnect2.0 app, designed to prevent suicidal behaviors and improve coping skills, or a control app, Life360, which focuses on tracking youth whereabouts. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of iKinnect2.0 in reducing suicidal ideation and behaviors, while also addressing conduct problems and enhancing parent engagement. Assessments will occur at baseline, 4, 8, and 16 weeks to evaluate outcomes related to suicide risk and behavioral issues.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include youth aged 15-21 who are involved in the juvenile justice system and at significant risk for suicide, along with their primary caregivers.
Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in the juvenile justice system or do not meet the criteria for significant suicide risk may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce suicidal behaviors and improve coping strategies among at-risk youth in the juvenile justice system.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar mobile app interventions aimed at reducing youth problem behaviors, indicating potential for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
PARENT/GUARDIAN INCLUSION CRITERIA: * 18 years or older * Fluent in English * Owns an Android or iPhone-based smartphone with a data plan and is the primary user of the phone * Primary caregiver and supervisor of a youth aged 15-21 on probation or receiving post-incarceration reentry services at time of screening YOUTH INCLUSION CRITERIA: * Age 15-21 years * Fluent in English * Possesses and is the primary user of an Android or iPhone-based smartphone with a data plan * Currently resides in same household as linked parent/legal guardian at least 5 days per week * Has been arrested at least once and is receiving community-based JJ services related to probation or re-entry * At significant risk for suicide, as evidenced by one of the following: one or more lifetime suicide attempts; elevated past-month suicidal ideation (\>24 on the SIQ-JR99, or self-injury repetition (\>3 lifetime self-harm episodes, including one in the past 12 weeks before screening) * Willing to disclose NSSI and suicidal behaviors to parent To ensure consistency of planned and actual enrollment, particularly of Black youth, researchers will begin to exclude youth of certain races once pre-established recruitment milestones for a specific racial group is achieved.
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations
- University of Maryland, Baltimore — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
- Evidence-Based Practice Institute — Seattle, Washington, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Linda Dimeff, PhD — Evidence-Based Practice Institute
- Study coordinator: Frank Zhou
- Email: clinicaltrials@ebpi.org
- Phone: 206-455-7934
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.