NCJ Number
123214
Date Published
1989
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This report describes the Exodus Chemical Dependency Program, a 16-bed, eight-week program for addicted, incarcerated adolescents in Washington.
Abstract
The Exodus participants are segregated from the other juvenile offenders living at the Echo Glen location. The Exodus population, which is co-educational and between 14 and 19 years old, is referred to the program and includes youth who are truly addicted, committed to stop using, not in need of detoxification services, and not posing major management problems. The eight full time counselors carry two cases each and are responsible for overall management of resident behavior, child-care responsibilities, recreation, addiction lectures, facilitating groups, family workshops, family counseling, placement planning, and aftercare; all are qualified drug and alcohol counselors. Despite attendance at community Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, escapes are rare, partially due to the effective security controls built into the program. The report describes the nutritional, school, physical condition, wilderness, and family components of the Exodus program. The core of the program consists of 12-step programs and a thorough education about drugs and alcohol, including 12-step meeting attendance, lectures, meditation and journal writing, personal drug histories, phase work, and individual and group counseling. Each of the four program phases has specific attitudinal and behavioral goals; additional information is provided to the female participants. The Exodus recovery also includes dealing with sexual and physical abuse issues. The report notes some differences between Exodus and private care programs, but concludes that the basic treatment and style is similar to that used in community programs. Finally, it touches on issues of confidentiality, spirituality, and voluntary treatment.