NCJ Number
64980
Date Published
1972
Length
234 pages
Annotation
THIS HANDBOOK DESCRIBES A FAMILY-STYLE TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR ADOLESCENTS WITH SERIOUS BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS. PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF ACHIEVEMENT PLACE IN LAWRENCE, KANS., INDICATE ITS BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION METHODS WORK.
Abstract
THE ACHIEVEMENT PLACE PROGRAM IS ADMINISTERED BY TWO PROFESSIONAL TEACHING-PARENTS TRAINED IN BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION PROCEDURES, REMEDIAL EDUCATION TECHNIQUES, JUVENILE LAW, THE ORGANIZATION OF SEMI-SELF-GOVERNMENT, COMMUNITY RELATIONS, AND ADMINISTRATION. THE TREATMENT PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM FEEDBACK AND INSTRUCTION TO THE YOUTHS WHEN THEY FIRST ENTER THE PROGRAM. AS SKILLS AND SELF-CONTROL ARE DEVELOPED, THE STRUCTURED ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAM ARE REDUCED AND REPLACED BY A MORE NATURAL SET OF FEEDBACK CONDITIONS. AS THE YOUTHS ACCOMPLISH THE GOALS OF THE PROGRAM, WEEKEND HOME VISITS ARE ENCOURAGED. ALL YOUTHS IN ACHIEVEMENT PLACE HAVE BEEN DECLARED DEPENDENT-NEGLECTED OR DELINQUENT BY THE COUNTY JUVENILE COURT AND HAVE BEEN COMMITTED TO THE HOME FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD BY THE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE. ALL ARE BETWEEN 12 AND 16 YEARS OLD. THE HANDBOOK DESCRIBES THE DAILY ROUTINE AT ACHIEVEMENT PLACE; THE MOTIVATION SYSTEM; SELF-GOVERNMENT METHODS; THE TEACHING PARENTS AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES; SOCIAL BEHAVIOR GOALS; AND SCHOOL BEHAVIOR. ALSO EXPLAINED ARE REQUIRED HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE AND SELF-CARE BEHAVIORS AND THE HOMEWARD BOUND SYSTEM. EXAMPLES OF THE PROGRAM'S RULES, RECORDKEEPING, A TRAINING GUIDE FOR TEACHING-PARENTS, AN EXAMPLE HANDBOOK FOR THE NATURAL PARENTS, OPERATIONAL DETAILS, AND A BIBLIOGRAPHY ARE APPENDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED--PRG)