NCJ Number
141797
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1992) Pages: 42-47
Date Published
1992
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the components, implementation, and impact of a comprehensive Law-Related Education (LRE) program at the State Training School for Boys at Eldora, Iowa.
Abstract
The training school is a secure facility that houses adjudicated delinquent boys 14 years old and older. When students are admitted, an individual care plan is prepared for them, and they are assigned to a cottage staffed by youth counselors. The LRE program has been established in this clinical component of the facility. LRE was selected as an educational program because its content focuses on society's normative expectations through law and the justice system. In addition to the value of its content, LRE, through its teaching methods, fosters cognitive functions and the development of social skills (small group interaction). The first outcome evaluation was completed recently in an effort to assess what impact the curriculum has had on students held at the facility. The process evaluation revealed that training and professional development were critical to overall program implementation. An assessment of the program's impact on student attitudes and behaviors involved testing students over the curriculum period. Data on changes in student behavior were collected through interviews with facility staff. Staff reported that LRE has made students more aware of what precipitates conflict and confrontation, improved their understanding of the legal process and legal terminology, and improved communications between staff and students. 11 references