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Decoding and Encoding Life

NCJ Number
130782
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 42 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1991) Pages: 60-63
Author(s)
L E Albrecht
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the use of social education as a treatment model in two New York facilities for incarcerated female juvenile delinquents.
Abstract
These programs were based on individualized life education personal development plans according to the planning, implementation, and evaluation process of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This approach rejects the traditional therapies for treatment of institutionalized juveniles; the emphasis is on a skills-based, helping curriculum for interpersonal living, life skills, and work. The most useful resource has been the Streamlining programs that provide a structured learning approach to teaching prosocial skills. Each skill is broken down into component steps and taught by a specific process; the skills are learned and practiced by all students and staff. The benefits of this approach are visible in individual skill performance and institutional environment as well as in a positive impact on self-esteem and increased cognitive development. Another important feature of the educational approach to treatment of problem youth is its ability to maintain a dynamic system as the institutional population changes. 24 references