In this article, Mark Freado and Howard Bath present the case of an 11 year boy who had been arrested and charged with the murder of his two-year-old cousin. Because of the severity of the criminal charge against this boy, and despite his age, a transfer hearing was set to determine whether he would be tried as a juvenile or an adult. Such…

Fifty years ago, psychologist Nicholas Hobbs led a group of divergent thinking professionals who introduced a new way of perceiving the problems and needs of young people. The National Institute of Mental Health gave a two-million-dollar grant to George Peabody College for Teachers, now a part of Vanderbilt University. Hobbs and colleagues studied…

The Developmental Audit[R] offers an alternative to traditional assessments that diagnose disorder and focus on pathology. These assessments often end with negative labels for the child and discouraged spirits for all involved in that young person's life. The Developmental Audit[R], on the other hand, encourages youth in conflict to help identify…

From its origins nearly a half century ago, the Re-ED model has generated a series of research studies evaluating its efficacy. This article provides a historical perspective on the evidence base for this early strength-based model for working with troubled youth.

When conflict between adult and youth arises, each side quickly draws lines in the sand, daring the other person to cross the line. The tendency is to react in ways easiest and most convenient for oneself, rather than to maintain a proactive stance that aggressively meets the needs of the child and employs two of the most important…

Robert, a fifteen-year-old resident in a residential treatment program, was diagnosed with significant hearing impairment. He communicates primarily through American Sign Language, although he speaks relatively well and has some hearing ability. Katie, a youth worker who has participated in Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI) training, worked…

Provides a philosophical and operational framework that can be used in creating or refining a re-education-based based program. The framework provided can be used to modify an existing program or in the initial design of a newly planned program. (GCP)

Effective supervision, particularly of front-line staff, is one of the most important tasks any education or treatment program must perform. This article provides an overview of effective supervision using principles and values based on interviews with staff and leaders in re-education programs. (Author)

The scope of re-education is seen in this overview of ten programs throughout the United States. (Author)

This article describes an evaluation conducted with a juvenile who was facing transfer into the adult system after an encounter with law enforcement officers. Adopted at age one from an Eastern European orphanage, Andrei experienced conflict, bringing him into contact with special education, mental health, and juvenile authorities. While there…

The process of growth often takes many years and is characterized by progress interrupted with setbacks. Beneath the most troubled exterior, one can find youth with great potential. This article presents the account of a gang youth and his mentor tracks the rocky pathway from problems to responsible maturity.