A randomized controlled trial of a group-based mindfulness intervention, mentoring and services as usual for improving the behavioral, social and emotional outcomes of young adults on probation

INTERVENTION: This is a randomized controlled design of two interventions (mindfulness‐alone and mindfulness plus case management). A third group (control group) will be identified through local referrals and will be used for comparison. Allocation to the experimental groups will be done on a 1:1 basis via predetermined assignment based on a random number sequence. 1. Mindfulness training: A group‐based, 10‐session intervention consisting of didactics, modeling, and role‐plays to develop mindfulness. Homework is assigned between sessions for the implementation of skills. Young people in conflict with the law receive group training in mindfulness (Free Mind Protocol of Mentte CEDAT). 2. Case management + mindfulness training: Case management includes one‐to‐one supportive assistance to support educational and occupational attainment. Young people will receive an accompaniment and follow‐up process bringing educational and work opportunities. 3. Services as usual control condition: Young people in conflict with the law who are supervised by the justice system utilizing services as usual. CONDITION: Lack of impulse control among youth in conflict with the law that may lead to impulsive behavior and the commitment of criminal and administrative offenses ; Mental and Behavioural Disorders PRIMARY OUTCOME: Impulse control measured using the Stroop and Stop Signal assessment at baseline and post‐intervention (10 weeks) SECONDARY OUTCOME: ; 1. Self‐reported crime measured by self‐report at post‐intervention; 2. Educational and occupational attainment measured by self‐report at post‐intervention; 3. Aggression and anger measured by the anger‐aggression toolbox self‐report at post‐intervention; 4. Mindfulness measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire at post‐intervention; 5. Empathy measured by the Basic Empathy Scale and the Multidimensional Prosocial Behavior Scale at post‐intervention; 6. Self‐efficacy measured by the General Perceived Efficacy Scale at post‐intervention; 7. Substance use measured by the DUDIT and AUDIT and post‐intervention; INCLUSION CRITERIA: The participants come from two different origins depending on the assigned intervention condition: 1. 1,000 young people in conflict with the law from 27 municipalities in the states of Jalisco, Chihuahua and Nuevo León that are members of the Mentte CEDAT program 2. 100 young people in conflict with the law who are supervised by the justice system