NCJ Number
116274
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 40 Issue: 1 Dated: (1989) Pages: 63-67
Date Published
1989
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Contrary to popular belief, the sentence of probation for delinquent youths can be an effective sanction in deterring crime and teenage illiteracy when the court adds the challenging condition of bibliotherapy as part of the dispositional order.
Abstract
Robert Goldensohn has noted that bibliotherapy is a form of supportive and individual psychotherapy in which the juvenile probation officer gives the probationer carefully selected material to read based on the defendant's age, emotional problems, and personality needs. Reading can relieve tensions from misinformation and can help juvenile delinquents understand their physiological and psychological reactions to conflicts and frustrations. It can also promote communication between the youth and the probation officer by giving them a common body of material to discuss. Bibliotherapy is consistent with the first and eighth Amendments. However, as with all therapies, we must be wary of the possible harm that bibliotherapy may produce if implemented by inexperienced, unskilled correctional staff. Nevertheless, bibliotherapy can be an alternative that is viable and constitutional as well as economical and rehabilitative. Notes and a list of 75 recommended readings.