NCJ Number
156281
Journal
Journal of Correctional Health Care Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1995) Pages: 17-38
Date Published
1995
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This paper highlights the problem of violence among youth in our society and describes a program for dealing with violent situations and violent youths in detention centers.
Abstract
There are three program components that are necessary to prevent and intervene in violence in a high-risk juvenile population: creating a safe environment for inmates and staff; identifying and treating youths predisposed to violence; and providing skills for resolving conflict in an effective, nonviolent manner. Although these components can be used in individual institutions, the scope of the problem of juvenile violence suggests that a systemic approach at the national level must be considered. The National Commission on Correctional Health Care -- a voluntary accrediting body for health care components of jails, prisons, and juvenile detention and correctional facilities -- has instituted a national program on HIV prevention in juvenile detention facilities that could serve as a guide for the implementation of a violence prevention program. A similar model of intervention, also using health care workers in correctional facilities, could be used to implement a violence-reduction program. The authors of this paper piloted a conflict-resolution skills training program that focuses on risk factors, handling anger, and generating nonviolent solutions to problems. 54 references