Interventions With Juvenile Offenders: Strategies to Prevent Acting Out Behavior

Abstract

In this article Moral Dilemma Discussion Groups, Just Communities, Positive Peer Culture and the EQUIP program are reviewed for their appropriateness for intervening with juvenile offenders in residential settings. The suitability of these interventions for diverse populations is also examined.

Alcohol, Marijuana, and Perceptions of Influence on Social and Sexual Behavior Among African American Adolescent Female Detainees

“…Although adolescent violence and crime rates have declined from their historically high levels, illegal and risky behaviors remain common among youth (Ellickson, Saner, & McGuigan, 1996;Moody & Lupton-Smith, 1999). Juvenile detainees make up a high-risk population of youth.…”

Three Therapeutic Residential Care Models, the Sanctuary Model, Positive Peer Culture and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Their Application to the Theory of Congruence

“…PPC aims to assist young people in a variety of ways, including learning to develop an internal control and sensitivity to others around them, to manage their behaviour no matter the situation and to be able to develop longterm thinking that includes self-identification of values, goals and beliefs. It is expected that, as a result of the treatment experience, young people will assume responsibility for helping one another and responsibility for their own behaviours by refraining from blaming others or using excuses (Moody et al, 1999). In summary, PPC aims to assist young people to learn basic values associated with being respectful and thoughtful of others.…”

“…In summary, PPC aims to assist young people to learn basic values associated with being respectful and thoughtful of others. This results in increased self-awareness, positive self-image and increased concern for oneself and others, together with an improved ability to make rational competent decisions (Moody et al, 1999;Quigley, 2004). 'The central position of Positive Peer Culture is that young people can develop self-worth, significance, dignity, and responsibility only as they become committed to the positive values of helping and caring for others' (Vorrath & Brendtro, 2008, p. 4).…”

Cultural Considerations for Residential Treatment of Children and/or Adolescents

“…Blaming and using excuses is not accepted as a mode of coping. With PPC, the peer group is viewed as a resource rather than a negative infiuence (Moody & Lupton-Smith, 2002). Residents are encouraged both to behave prosocially and to support others in prosocial behavior.…”

“…Small discussion groups are used to increase respect, üiist, and openness among residents. The intention of a PPC is to "replace a negative culture with a more positive one" (Moody & Lupton-Smith, 2002).…”