Turning Point Youth Services - A Delinquency Prevention Project (From Issues in Juvenile Delinquency, P 29-35, 1986, Linda Dziobek, et al, eds. - See NCJ-100524)

• NCJ Number: 100528
• Author(s): M A Clifford
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: American Correctional Association
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper describes and illustrates skills and behaviors taught through Turning Point Youth Services (TPYS), a community-based early intervention and delinquency prevention program in Visalia, Calif.

Abstract

TPYS focuses on the earliest stages of delinquency (family conflict, behavior problems, vandalism, petty theft), and most referrals are through a juvenile diversion project. In planning the program, emphasis was placed on developing skills in identifying viable role models, improving family relations, enhancing problemsolving skills, increasing control over feelings and thinking, improving interactional and situational skills, and improving judgment and decisionmaking. Toward this end, TPYS provides clients with family therapy, and often group or individual counseling, parenting classes, social and daily living skills training, and recreational programs designed to enhance self-esteem and communication skills. The program works closely with other community agencies, including schools, probation, parent groups, and self-help groups. Such an approach provides an effective roadmap for delinquency prevention by improving the child's competence and ability to mature. 2 references.