The results of four studies conducted to measure the effectiveness of Clinical Rehabilitation Support Teams (Project CREST) are summarized. Professional counseling was provided to delinquent youths, as were regular probation services--a dual-treatment model. Studies indicate that clients in the CREST program have consistently shown decreased…

Analyzes paradoxical instruction (prescribing the symptom) and reframing as strategies used to minimize resistance of three delinquent youths during treatment. Results indicated that the intervention produced significant improvements in the clients' school attendance and academic performance which were sustained through subsequent reinforcement.…

That's what's in store for youth at the Kansas Boys Industrial School, thanks to an innovative residential treatment program. (Editor)

Therapeutic techniques based on guided group interaction are being used widely in Kentucky institutions in the treatment of juvenile delinquents. The peer group plays a key role as the catalyst for change. (Author)

This short report provides a brief description of a research project presenting an alternative approach to delinquency treatment. Achievement Place is a family-sized residential treatment home for predelinquent and delinquent youngsters. Six to eight boys, aged 12-16, live in a renovated house located in their own community. A specially trained…

Describes an innovative Youth Services Program, an operational unit of the Dallas Police Department, which has drastically reduced the rearrest/recidivism rate for juvenile offenders. The program teaches three basic skills: physical fitness, interpersonal skills and study skills. (HMV)

Wilderness Alternative for Youth (WAY), conducted by the Pacific Crest Outward Bound School, is a treatment program for adjudicated youth that integrates wilderness or adventure therapy with a community-based component. Participants were 115 boys and girls, aged 13-18, recommended by court counselors and screened for appropriateness by Outward…

Feeling that the key problem in working with delinquent adolescents is to help them bring their antisocial behaviors under control and establish more socially acceptable behaviors, the author points out that an important step is to change the pupil' attitudes about reading, test-taking, schools, and teachers. Suggested methods of motivation are…

Reviews 15 studies using Social Skills Training (SST) with delinquent populations and discusses conceptual and methodological issues. Concludes that findings do not yet provide unequivocal support for the usefulness of SST in reducing criminal behavior of delinquents. (Author/WAS)

Offers a positive perspective on the devolution of delinquency. Examines life experiences involved in delinquency devolution of one former juvenile offender and argues for a less pathological perspective of human behavior. Presents an alternative approach, "Positive Outcomes Research." (Author/JAC)

A study examining the effectiveness of wilderness therapy programs for rehabilitating delinquent adolescents analyzed 23 programs using meta-analysis. Moderate effect sizes in favor of wilderness therapy programs were found with respect to enhancing self-esteem/self-concept, improving interpersonal skills, and promoting behavior changes. A small…

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…

The paper describes the methodology used in an ongoing, independent evaluation of the teaching family model, also known as "Achievement Place," a community-based group home treatment program for predelinquent and delinquent adolescents aged 12-16. Youths referred by courts and other agencies live with surrogate parents, in groups of eight, for…

Structured Learning Therapy (SLT) teaches aggressive adolescents prosocial skills (negotiation, self-relaxation, and anger control) by modeling, role playing, social reinforcement, and transfer of training. This article summarizes initial application of SLT with psychiatric clients, includes guidelines for improving trainee-trainer-treatment…

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…