NCJ Number
127884
Journal
Law and Psychology Review Volume: 13 Dated: (Spring 1989) Pages: 175-199
Date Published
1989
Length
25 pages
Annotation
Recognizing the ineffectiveness of institutionalization for juveniles and the importance of maintaining juveniles within their families, Alabama's Community Intensive Treatment for Youth (CITY) program features a nonresidential youth center that provides comprehensive individualized academic, social, behavioral, and employability skills training to youth at high risk of delinquency and recidivism.
Abstract
The juveniles remain at home, and any familial conflicts or inadequacies that led to delinquency or problem behaviors are the focus of the treatment plan. Treatment techniques and regimes are tailored to client needs. A common need of the clients is for specialized education geared to the capacities of each juvenile. CITY provides academic training in basic math and English, intensive reading skills, and any special subjects designated by the local public school. All tests are administered individually and reflect each student's learning pace. Techniques for modifying behavior include role playing, role modeling by staff and peers, behavioral contracts, and the use of a token-economy system of points and rewards. Program evaluation focuses on individual student progress, program-component effectiveness, and followup. Results of the program in Etowah County are representative of the success of programs across the State. Over 3 years, juvenile institutionalization has decreased 92 percent, and 82.1 percent of the clients have not recidivated. 173 footnotes