NCJ Number
50534
Journal
APPALACHIA Volume: 9 Issue: 5 Dated: (APRIL/MAY 1976) Pages: 37-42
Date Published
1976
Length
6 pages
Annotation
THIS ARTICLE DESCRIBES THE ORIGIN, DEVELOPMENT, AND OPERATION OF THE NEW DAWN YOUTH CENTER, AN EXPERIMENTAL GROUP HOME DESIGNED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO INSTITUTIONAL CORRECTIONS FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS.
Abstract
LOCATED IN WEST VIRGINIA, THE NEW DAWN YOUTH CENTER IS THE BRAINCHILD OF THREE YOUNG WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE GRADUATES WHO NOW ACT AS ITS DIRECTORS. THE PROJECT BEGAN IN 1973 AND INSTANTLY RECEIVED CONSIDERABLE COMMUNITY SUPPORT. AT THE TIME OF THIS ARTICLE, THE HOME, WHICH HAD BEEN LICENSED PROVISIONALLY AS A CHILD CARE INSTITUTION, WAS RECEIVING STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDS INCLUDING A $25,000 RENEWABLE ANNUAL GRANT FROM THE LEAA, AND HAD FIVE RESIDENTS. THE THREE DIRECTORS ATTEMPT TO APPLY THE VARIOUS SOCIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES THEY LEARNED IN COLLEGE AND TO FOSTER PRODUCTIVE VALUES AND ATTITUDES THROUGH THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE RESIDENTS. ACCORDING TO THE 1973 REPORT OF THE NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMISSION ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE STANDARDS AND GOALS, A $175 MILLION REPORT FUNDED BY LEAA, SMALL, COMMUNITY-BASED CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES SUCH AS THE NEW DAWN YOUTH CENTER OFFER THE MOST PROMISING MEANS OF REHABILITATING OFFENDERS.