ERIC Number: ED196586
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1980-Oct
Pages: 46
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Wilderness/Adventure Programs for Juvenile Offenders.
Kimball, Richard Owen
Over 80 wilderness/adventure programs have emerged as a valuable alternative to traditional treatment for juvenile offenders, especially in combination with other services. Participants are referred from many points in the juvenile justice system by agents who should have a thorough understanding of wilderness programs so as to prepare the juvenile adequately. Lasting 14-30 days, the programs are varied but usually closely resemble the structure of the standard Outward Bound course, presenting a series of progressively difficult physical challenges and problems in order to develop skills upon which the youth can rely in the future. In general, the use of action, the outdoors, the formation of a cooperative community, programmed success, the use of stress, and the counselor's special role suit adventure programs to the special problems of juvenile offenders and help aid the development of problem-solving skills and enhance self-concept and self-control. Individual evaluation reports and comprehensive community-based follow-up often complete wilderness programs for juvenile offenders. Despite considerable research, definitive findings are scarce, but apparently the relatively economical programs result in significant positive personality changes and reduced recidivism, at least in the short run. Standards and regulation, risk management, staff election, and environmental impact are current concerns for program practitioners. (SB)
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Chicago Univ., IL. School of Social Service Administration.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A