The evaluation of a juvenile diversion program by Quay and Love (1977) is criticized for employing follow-up periods of differing durations. A second article by Quay and Love responds to Mrad's suggestion that the experimental effect was due to a greater post-program exposure time for the control group. (LPG)

Examines how adults can build attachments to "unclaimed kids", kids that typically develop internal models of themselves as unworthy and unlovable. Contrary to popular belief, it is not "broken families" that cause delinquency, but rather broken bonds between youth and adults. Rekindling an adult relationship, though difficult, may be a solution…

Reports a continuation of prior research testing a theoretical model which predicts that juveniles subjected to abuse will not become aggressive but will engage in escape and social avoidance behaviors. Analysis supported the hypothesis. (Author)

The cognitive model of delinquency prevention is based on research evidence that antisocial behavior arises from deficits in cognitive problem-solving and social interaction skills. The early acquisition of cognitive skills may help prevent delinquency in children who must contend with adverse environmental conditions. (SK)

Presents a framework and principles for counseling belligerent counselees, integrating moral reasoning and behavior contracting. Counselees move from the punishment stage to a trade-off and socially responsive stages through contracting aimed at improved behavior, recognizing that behavior causes consequences, inducing positive behavior through…

Narrates the experiences of a youth in correctional school and mental health treatment programs so as to show the pivotal role education plays in reversing antisocial behavior. Focuses on predisposing factors for problems, the major impact of correctional education influences, and the challenges surrounding public school reentry. (RJM)

Asocial behaviors were significantly reduced among 36 adjudicated adolescents who participated in a 30-day therapeutic wilderness program focusing on interpersonal problem solving and peer group dynamics. Behavior change was related to instructor experience and expectations and to participant interpersonal problem-solving skills. Contains 19…

Over 5,200 youths processed through a Juvenile Assessment Center during a 20-month period were involved in this study of recidivism predictors. Significant relationships were found between the youths' demographics, dependency referral factors, delinquency referral history variables, and recidivism. Direct implications for service delivery and…

Juvenile sex offenders require interventions and assessment approaches that are distinct from adult treatments. The purpose of this paper is threefold: (1) to provide an empirically based description of juvenile sexual offenders, (2) to review the empirical support of assessment and treatment methods utilized with this population, and (3) to…

This history of Lancaster, a nineteenth-century reform school for poor girls, illustrates the change in reform ideology from belief in the efficacy of family-style environment to concern for protecting the social order from "hereditarily deviant" children. The role of institutions as mechanisms for social control of the poor and of women…

Describes the application of the Positive Peer Culture (PPC) treatment methodology to a population of troubled girls in a residential setting. The peer group utilizes naturally occurring problems as vehicles to teach girls about errors in behavior and thinking. Community activities are used to practice newly obtained prosocial behaviors. (LSR)

Addresses problems of treating troubled girls at a male-dominated facility. The Positive Education Program (PEP) model is used in an Ohio day-treatment program for children with severe behavior problems. PEP staff use negative incidents as learning opportunities while positive programming makes school and its social interactions successful…

Explores the extent of and reasons for alcohol use among Soviet juvenile delinquents, ages 14-18, confined to labor-upbringing colonies. Examines reasons for drinking, for committing crimes, onset of drinking, and links between types of crimes and frequency of drinking. Illustrates alcohol-crime link. Postulates how family influence predetermines…