NCJ Number
73849
Journal
PRAXIS DER KINDERPSYCHOLOGIE UND KINDERPSYCHIATRIE Volume: 28 Issue: 4 Dated: (1979) Pages: 148-158
Date Published
1979
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The effects of psychoanalysis, group therapy, and work therapy on the social reintegration of 246 West German juvenile delinquents are examined.
Abstract
The juveniles, who were classified as neurotic and socially handicapped, received treatment at the West German treatment community 'Haus Sommerberg' for an average period of 20 months. The study design consisted of a pretreatment and posttreatent evaluation of the juveniles' chances of leading successful lives, and a followup study exploring the clients' postrelease behavior. Based on the predictions of social workers, a juvenile's chances for mastering life improved with a longer duration of stay at the treatment community. The followup study 3 years after release indicated that 73.7 percent of the treated juveniles successfully completed the probation period while 26.3 percent failed (mainly by committing property offenses). Since their release, 17.3 percent of the juveniles had begun higher education while 70 percent had completed vocational training. The overall results of the study indicate that the chances for a successful life (defined as lack of further offenses, professional/vocational training, and steady working patterns) and for a lasting positive change of attitude were best if the juvenile spent at least 3 years in the treatment community and were then released into an environment other than their previous one. As a result of the study, a family therapy program and an intensive postrelease treatment program were introduced to 'Haus Sommerberg' to improve the juveniles' immediate social environment and prolong the impact of the treatment community. The article includes 28 bibliographical footnotes.