NCJ Number
244064
Date Published
September 2002
Length
124 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes and expands on the Integrated Treatment Model (ITM), which was developed by a work group established by the Washington State Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA) under the charge to develop a research-based treatment model that uses cognitive-behavioral principles tailored for use in both residential and community settings in the juvenile justice continuum of care.
Abstract
The ITM views all behavior, including a youth's criminal behavior, as occurring in a larger social and historical context, serving a specific function. As such, criminal behavior is a product of one's learning history, encompassing family dynamics, specific circumstances, and thoughts and feelings. In residential care, the model focuses on improving the skills of the youth in an environment significantly different from his/her family and the community context in which the criminal behavior occurred. A behavioral analysis identifies the contextual variables and the function of the criminal behavior. Using basic behavioral change techniques of shaping, reinforcement, extinction, and contingency management, the ITM engages youth in the change process, and then teaches the youth specific behavioral skills designed to change his/her actions, thoughts, or feelings. In community settings, in which youth are monitored while on parole, the focus shifts to creating a functional environment within the youth's family. Parole staff works with families to shift the "problem behavior" to a relational issue between family members. The reduction of blame and negativity in family dynamics is the key to changing problem behavior. Additional treatment needs will be met by referring the youth and family to community services that match the family's style of interaction and needs. Family support continues even when the youth is no longer on parole. Attached supplementary information and materials