NCJ Number
165776
Journal
Louisiana Youth Care Magazine Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-February 1997) Pages: 5-7
Editor(s)
G Trusty
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Reynolds Institute of Youth Guidance near Ponchatoula, La. is a juvenile correctional program that is unusual in several respects.
Abstract
The Institute was founded in 1954 and has a 60-acre campus. Its capacity is 34. About half the youths come from a Louisiana Training Institute, most are hard-core juvenile offenders, and all are referrals from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. The chair of its board of directors was the first juvenile delinquent served by the program. Current Administrative Director Reverend Andrew Jackson defines the program's three principles as respectability, reliability, and responsibility. It emphasizes Christian values and is family oriented. Its behavior modification program rewards youths with both privileges and money. Discipline and consequences are important. Community involvement through volunteer service by the youths and a foster grandparent program are other crucial elements. The Institute has its own school and issues high school diplomas. It also conducts classes for the General Equivalency Diploma. Some youths attend a nearby university. The director emphasizes the concept that it is easier to build boys than to mend men. Photographs