NCJ Number
150674
Journal
Criminal Behavior and Mental Health Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: (1993) Pages: 142-157
Date Published
1993
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews current psychological approaches, based on behavioral and cognitive-behavioral theory, to the treatment of delinquent behavior and examines the literature regarding effective treatment programs.
Abstract
Interventions with juvenile delinquents can be broadly categorized as individual, or residential and community programs. Individual programs can be subdivided into individual behavior therapy (reinforcement, punishment), social skills training, and cognitive-behavior modification (self-control and self-instruction, anger control, role- taking, social problemsolving, moral reasoning development). In other types of programs, the focus is on change via an external agency such a residential institution or community program. The latter may consist of school-based intervention, family-based intervention (parent management training, functional family therapy), probation, or diversionary projects. Meta-analysis studies have concentrated on program characteristics that have been linked with reduced offending as an outcome variable. Three primary barriers to successful outcome include client resistance, institutional resistance, and treatment integrity. 66 references