NCJ Number
92994
Date Published
1982
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This booklet describes the development and operations of the Cambridge (England) Intermediate Treatment (CIT) program which uses volunteers and community resources to provide a wide variety of activities for children and and adolescents moderately at risk of care or custody.
Abstract
The CIT scheme has four different areas: (l) befriending -- matching up individual adult volunteers on a one-to-one basis with young people seen to be at risk; (2) small activity groups of 4-7 children led by 2-3 adults which pursue a specific interest or project; (3) group workgroups with 8-l3 young people led by 3 adults whose activities are varied, but generally combine recreational activities with assessment and treatment of social behavior; and (4) placement of a young person in an existing community youth resource in which he or she has some interest. To be eligible for CIT, a child must be between 7 and l7 and not severely mentally or physically retarded. A caseworker -- a social worker, probation officer, or educational welfare officer -- must be involved with the child or the family. The report first traces the CIT's development from its inception in l977 and then describes its methods of working with volunteers and local authorities, publicity and efforts, administration, and training program. A summary of the current program covers specific activity groups held for youths between 7 and ll and those between l2 and l6, as well as groupwork programs for young people considered more seriously at risk of further delinquency. Joint programs operated by CIT and other agencies are surveyed, as are the bridge program for truants and dropouts, the befriending scheme, a community service program for serious delinquents, and a project to provide youngsters with activities during the school holidays. The appendix contains papers relating to volunteer selection and a referral form.