NCJ Number
222793
Journal
Youth Studies Australia Volume: 27 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2008 Pages: 9-16
Date Published
March 2008
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This third in a series of studies of at-risk youth involved with the Melbourne-based Whitelion program (Australia)--which provides employment, mentoring, and role modeling for youth who have been involved with the juvenile justice system--asked 20 youth between the ages of 19 and 24 who had demonstrated significant positive changes what was most effective in changing their problem behaviors.
Abstract
Based on indepth interviews with the youth, the study found that their positive change resulted from the interweaving of a number of factors, some of which involved a long period of time. The most influential factors included a safe place to live; responsible, caring adults; and interventions that removed the youth from dangerous and criminal activities while providing opportunities for constructive activities. The occurrence of these factors at just the right time was also important, for example, the youth making the decision to change just as an opportunity to commit to a new lifestyle was presented (employment or education). It also helped if there were special people (partner, mentor, family) to provide support as changes in attitudes and intentions were occurring. These findings suggest that caregivers, services, and opportunities for alternatives to a delinquent and criminal lifestyle must be accessible to youth over an extended period of time, even when it seems that they are resistant to positive change. There should be a system in which state government works with nongovernmental community agencies in order to ensure that all at-risk youth are actively encouraged to participate in programs relevant to their needs well beyond the age of 18. Over this period, services should be available within the context of safe, secure accommodation that provides ready access to responsible professional staff. This obviously requires a significant commitment of money, personnel, and interagency cooperation. 14 references