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ERIC Number: ED200348
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1980-Sep
Pages: 321
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
A Wilderness Adventure Program as an Alternative for Juvenile Probationers: An Evaluation.
Winterdyk, John Albert
A true experimental design with 60 male probationers, ages 13-16, was used to evaluate the viability of an Ontario-based 21-day wilderness adventure program as an alternative for adjudicated juveniles placed on probation. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group was subdivided into 3 groups of 10 boys. The groups were matched on age, sex, frequency of prior offense, and various background characteristics. The Jesness Inventory and an adapted Piers-Harris Self-Esteem Measure were used in pre, post, and follow-up tests. Self-report data on recidivism, background characteristics, and behavioral and attitudinal changes were gathered from both groups. The three experimental groups were also evaluated by the staff. Data did not indicate a significant relationship between exposure to the program and subsequent attitudinal or behavioral changes. A noticeable, but not significant, difference was that the offenses committed by the recidivists tended to be fewer and of a less severe type for the experimental groups. Staff and parent reports recommended using the program as a supplement to probation, introducing a process evaluation, improving referral and screening procedures, and implementing some form of post structure for juveniles after they complete such a course. Appendixes include tests, evaluations, contracts, form letters, activity outlines, sample schedules, questionnaires, follow-up surveys, testing procedures, and written responses from parents. (CM)
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative; Dissertations/Theses - Masters Theses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services, Toronto.
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Piers Harris Childrens Self Concept Scale
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A