Treating the Violent Juvenile Offender (From Insights Into Violence in Contemporary Canadian Society, P 291-297, 1987, James M MacLatchie, ed. -- See NCJ-122437)

• NCJ Number: 122473
• Author(s): V Agee
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: John Howard Soc of Canada
• Publication Type: Program Description (Demonstrative)
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

After discussing some of the basic principles and misconceptions of treating serious juvenile offenders, this paper describes the program of the Paint Creek Youth Center in Ohio, which treats such offenders.

Abstract

One thinking error in treating violent juvenile offenders is to encourage them to think of themselves as victims. This only reinforces their tendency to blame others for their behavior. They must initially be confronted with the serious consequences of their own victimizing behavior. Another thinking error is to minimize the harm caused by the offender. The offender must be made aware of the serious harm caused by his behavior. Another thinking error is that treatment and discipline are mutually exclusive. Treatment requires that violent juveniles discipline and manage their behavior. A final thinking error is that mentally disturbed youth need treatment and delinquent juveniles do not. All problem behaviors require treatment techniques for modifying the behavior. The Paint Creek Youth Center has four major components: an intensive program based on positive peer culture, a victim awareness strategy, education and recreation, and a work program.