An alternative public school in Atlanta (Georgia) for expelled, violent, and adjudicated youth from grades 4-12 is described. Challenge courses and adventure initiatives are used to develop self-awareness, trust, empathy, communication, character, problem solving, conflict resolution, and leadership skills that translate into improved academic…

Reports results of a study of the long term impact of a Family Empowerment Intervention (FEI) on recidivism among all 303 youths processed at Hillsborough County Juvenile Assessment Center who entered the project. Results provide support for sustained effect of FEI services in reducing recidivism. (BF)

Concerned professionals in the juvenile justice field frequently express concern for effective programs that help youth offenders successfully rejoin society. This mixed-method pilot study involved detention home teens functioning as tutors for special education students in a public school. Tutors were selected who, based on previous assessment as…

Shows that employment skills can be taught to delinquent youth and that this is a promising approach to delinquency treatment and prevention. The social learning approach for employment training is outlined. (Author/LHW)

Critiques the "Toughlove" story using perspectives suggested by dramatism and Walter R. Fischer's "narrative paradigm." Finds that the story had a compelling rhetorical impact on a parental support group. Indicates that stories can be created that affirm parents' self-worth and help them deal with their crises without leading…

Describes a study of the influence of social skills training on cognitive and behavioral characteristics of male juvenile offenders. Results revealed a significant main effect for treatment groups on the locus of control measure, with structured social skills training and unstructured discussion groups indicating greater internality than the…

Describes the career and methods of A. S. Makarenko, revered in the Soviet Union for his successful work with children abandoned in the Civil War (1918-1921). Evolution of his theories in later Soviet education is traced and comparisons made with institutions for homeless or delinquent youth in other countries. (SJL)

Describes a residential child care approach centered on group homes which views running away as one of several behavioral problems. A complex solution is offered which has resulted in a dramatic decrease in runaways. (Author/NRB)

Data from two juvenile correctional facilities indicate that the deprivation model is a better predictor of adaptation to confinement for males than is the importation model. For females, variables from both deprivation and importation models have a significant impact. (Author)

The learning laboratory of the Training School for Boys, a New Jersey correctional school for eight- to fourteen-year-olds, provides remedial reading instruction through a diagnostic-prescriptive model with the assistance of trained volunteers and interns. (SK)

Camp White Eagle (Illinois) developed an evaluation process to assess the positive effects of its wilderness adventure program on adjudicated adolescents. Discusses aspects of the evaluation process applicable to other camps: reviewing program elements, formulating questions, choosing the design, developing measurements, collecting data,…

Discusses the formal system of juvenile corrections in one country and describes several correctional facilities in this system. Also presents another system of justice in the country and the influence of traditional sociocultural values on the operation of both correctional practices for juveniles. (RJM)

Compares youths' perceptions of confinement, feelings of restriction and the impact of these perceptions on youth's reaction to educational and rehabilitative programs they received. Testing of youth in two different countries showed that perceptions were related to their attitudes toward, and reactions to, these programs, although some…

Outdoor behavioral healthcare (OBH), using wilderness therapy and related outdoor programming, is an emerging treatment for adolescents with behavioral, psychological, and substance abuse disorders. A literature review examining OBH outcomes related to self-concept, interpersonal skills, substance abuse, criminal recidivism, and behavioral and…

Describes Detroit's Youth Restitution Program which combats juvenile delinquency using self-esteem-building leisure programs. Developed through county juvenile court community service programs, it places youth in recreation centers where restitution workers assist them with tasks like supervising children's activities and beautifying the center.…