NCJ Number
165473
Date Published
1996
Length
164 pages
Annotation
This report identifies and describes community programs in the arts and the humanities that reach at-risk children and youth, and it presents the principles and practices that make these programs effective.
Abstract
Perhaps the most distinguishing aspect of these programs is their ability to take advantage of the capacity of the arts and the humanities to engage students. Beginning with this engagement, programs impart new skills and encourage new perspectives that begin to transform the lives of at-risk children and youth. The report is structured in six chapters. Chapter 1, "A Changed Environment for Children," describes the context in which the programs operate, presenting both disheartening statistics and the evidence of resiliency that children can show in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Chapter 2, "Culture Counts," reviews the value of the arts and the humanities for youth. It suggests that arts and humanities programs are crucial components of any community strategy that seeks to improve the lives of children and youth. Chapter 3, "Transforming Lives," provides an overview of the highly varied cultural programs surveyed for the report. Chapter 4, "A Delicate Balance," summarizes the principles, policies, and practices found in promising programs. Chapter 5, "Looking Ahead," recommends continued examination of these programs and discusses their need for increased technical and financial support. Chapter 6, "Two Hundred Plus," contains the 218 individual profiles of arts and humanities programs for children and youth at risk. Chapter notes and a list of 5 additional resources