NCJ Number
187472
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 63 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2001 Pages: 46-49
Editor(s)
Susan L. Clayton
Date Published
February 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the Operation Outreach program designed to give juvenile offenders a perspective on prison life and realize the potential results they could face in continuing criminal behavior.
Abstract
Operation Outreach is a specially designed program for juvenile offenders at the Hilltop Unit, a female maximum-security facility in Gatesville, Texas. The program is a one-day program operating in several male and female facilities within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to give juvenile offenders a prison perspective and help them realize the possible results they could face if they continue their criminal behavior. The program is presented by incarcerated offenders who share firsthand knowledge of their own real-life experiences that led to their incarceration. Selected female offenders meet on a regular basis to discuss the focus of upcoming meetings. The program is held on Saturdays with a required 10 to 35 juveniles participating. Crimes committed by juveniles attending the program range from drug offenses, theft, and assault. The program gives juvenile offenders an opportunity to live and experience prison life on a voluntary basis or under court order. The program’s mission is to prevent youth from re-offending. The program encourages feedback from both juvenile participants and sponsors.