NCJ Number
65418
Date Published
1978
Length
37 pages
Annotation
THIS MANUAL DESCRIBES THE ORGANIZATION AND PROGRAM FOR NYANDI, A TREATMENT AND RESEARCH CENTER FOR DISTURBED ADOLESCENT GIRLS, AGES 13 TO 18, ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITY WELFARE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Abstract
THE FIVE TREATMENT CENTERS OR UNITS ARE NYANDI SECURITY, GWYNNE LEA HOSTEL, WATSON LODGE, KARINGAL, AND THE COMMUNITY-BASED TREATMENT UNIT. THE GIRLS ARE CONSIDERED DIFFICULT TO HANDLE BECAUSE OF SERIOUS ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR PATTERNS. MOST OF THEM HAVE HAD EXTENSIVE RECORDS OF SERIOUS OFFENSES INCLUDING ARSON, BREAKING AND ENTERING, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, ROBBERY, AND UNLAWFUL USE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE. HOWEVER, INCREASING NUMBERS RECENTLY HAVE BEEN ADMITTED BECAUSE OF CHRONIC TRUANCY AND RUNNING AWAY. THE TWO REASONS FOR SUCH BEHAVIOR ARE (1) THE GIRLS' LACK OF SKILLS NECESSARY TO ADOPT A NONDELINQUENT OR ACCEPTABLE LIFESTYLE, AND (2) THE ABSENCE OF MOTIVATION TO EXHIBIT SUCH SKILLS. THE GIRLS ARE ASSESSED FOR AND TAUGHT 17 SOCIAL INTERACTION SKILLS AND 47 PRACTICAL SKILLS WHICH BREAK DOWN INTO THREE GROUPS: COMMUNITY, PREVOCATIONAL, AND ACADEMIC. THE PROGRAM USES A REWARD SYSTEM AS A MOTIVATIONAL REINFORCEMENT TO LEARN THESE SKILLS. A BEHAVIOR MONITORING BOOK PROVIDES DATA FOR THE EVALUATIONS OF TREATMENT EFFECTIVENESS, WITH A RECORD OF THE GIRL'S HISTORY PRIOR TO TRANSFER TO NYANDI, A DAILY RECORD OF THE GIRL'S PROGRESS TOWARDS HER GOALS, A RECORD OF THE PERFORMANCE IN VARIOUS COMMUNITY SETTINGS FOLLOWING DISCHARGE, AND THE AMOUNT OF STAFF EXPENDITURE IN MAINTAINING THE GIRL IN THE COMMUNITY. THE STAFF MUST COMPLETE A 12-MONTH TRAINING PROGRAM IN SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC SKILLS INCLUDING BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION PRINCIPLES, TEACHING METHODS, AND ROLEPLAYING. THE MANUAL INCLUDES 21 ABSTRACTS OF RESEARCH PROJECTS, REPORTS, AND PAPERS; A FLOOR PLAN OF NYANDI SECURITY; AND A CHART OF THE STAFF'S ORGANIZATION. (JLF)