NCJ Number
76311
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 32 Issue: 1 Dated: (February-March 1981) Pages: 51-57
Date Published
1981
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper describes activities of the Tarrant County Youth Center in Texas, a residential facility for truants and runaways, which is a product of cooperation between the Federal Government, the county, and the community.
Abstract
The center has been in operation since 1957. Although primarily funded and administered by the county, the City of Fort Worth has provided land for the facility, additional funds have come from citizens' donations, and the Tarrant County Junior College has provided instructors and curricula for specialized programs at the center. The environment at the Center is designed to provide a therapeutic milieu. All aspects of a resident's daily life are oriented to teach adequate coping skills for life in the society and return to the family. New residents find a nonthreatening, warm atmosphere with both structured programs and ample time to pursue individual interests. Alternatives to problem behaviors are presented and reinforced by the residential community, as well as by the staff. The program incorporates a variety of on-campus activities, including a greenhouse and horticulture training and care of livestock. Participating residents receive an incentive allowance in addition to acquiring vocational skills. A status or level system has been developed to motivate personal growth and community awareness. Four graduated levels provide goals and a sense of direction in dealing with problem behaviors and accepting increased responsibility. All residents attend a school (off campus) for children with academic or disciplinary problems. Counseling services are provided to the residents' families. As the country enters a period of tightened governmental spending, the shared responsibility model exemplified by the center may be an important means of financing social programs. The level system is described, and footnotes are included.