This paper examines Piaget's and Kohlberg's theories of moral development stages and environmental effects on behavior in relation to criminal responsibility in juveniles and the effectiveness of delinquent rehabilitation programs. (SJL)

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)

Claims that Britain's policy and practice on delinquency rides roughshod over welfare needs of children and negates their claims to justice, and that representation of children as "really persistent nasty little juveniles" by officials has served to legitimize harsh excesses of government responses. Challenges such "legitimacy"…

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…

The need to train correctional special educators to implement Public Law 94-142, The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, despite such difficulties as the uniqueness of the correctional setting, the lack of interagency cooperation, and the lack of trained correctional special educators, is stressed. (Author/DB)

A 3-year study of 115 youth offenders ages 14-17 who were involved in a program that integrated wilderness or adventure therapy with a community-based component revealed significant positive changes in 10 out of 33 psychometric scales considered essential precursors to behavioral changes. However, no significant behavioral changes were observed.…

Examines the treatment and education of juvenile offenders in two of the four types of Chinese juvenile correctional institutions, the reformatory and the work-study factory class. Discusses living conditions and food, discipline and punishments, informal peer surveillance, academic and vocational instruction, language of instruction, family…

Reviews the various approaches that have dominated the prevention and treatment of delinquency over the last few decades. Presents current thinking about the multiple factors that must be considered in research on delinquency and concludes with a methodological proposal that may facilitate the systematic consideration of these factors. (RJM)

School systems across the country are adding alternative education programs designed for violent or chronically disruptive youth. Some school districts and states are contracting with private groups to provide programs including residential schools. Other programs include the Youth Challenge Corps, authorized by Congress in 1992, and boot-camp…

Subjects diagnosed "extremely dangerous" and given psychological treatment during placement in an institution for adjudicated juvenile delinquents (N=44) were followed after release. Findings regarding recidivism, crime, and violence are reported. Prediction of future violence is discussed; the effectiveness of psychological intervention…

Attachment theory is applied to identify systemic patterns encouraging juveniles to commit sexual offenses. The role of the helping system in perpetuating offenses is reviewed. The priority of family integrity and the role of professionals in breaking cycles of abuse and repairing earlier destructive emotional attachments are discussed. (EMK)

Highlights issues in the debate concerning Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) special education legislation as it relates to student discipline and incarcerated juveniles. Focuses on assessment issues and thresholds for diagnosable conditions. Looks at debates surrounding IDEA and some of the consequences of new legislation. (RJM)

A Michigan program gives juvenile first-offenders in alcohol, drug, or tobacco crimes the option of completing a youth diversion program at a local camp as an alternative to traditional juvenile justice. Considerations for the camp included board support, compatibility with camp philosophy, and staff competence. The program has lower recidivism…

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)