The review synthesis notes that studies show juvenile offenders are generally less socially skilled than nonoffenders. Juveniles at risk for delinquency have been identified at a young age using the California Psychological Inventory Socialization Scale. Social skills training programs have focused on the development of new adaptive behaviors to resolve conflicts using behavioral contracting and the modification of communication processes through verbal instruction, practice, and feedback. Teaching methods have included classroom sessions, role play, discussion, practice, and simulation. Short-term effectiveness with various populations has been demonstrated, but long-term benefits have not been established. Evaluations of social skills training programs are often methodologically flawed. Critics of social skills training point to the difficulty of applying learned skills to real life situations, models too superficial or narrowly defined, erosion of temporary effects over time, negative peer alliances developed in training programs, and the absence of criteria for making appropriate choices in new situations.