NCJ Number
138881
Journal
Lay Panel Magazine Volume: 28 Dated: (September 1992) Pages: 3-8
Date Published
1992
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes various programs available for youth who reside in St. Patrick's Training School in West Belfast, Northern Ireland, as well as for youth at risk of being placed in St. Patrick's.
Abstract
One of the projects, called Circus 1 to 3, is an innovative performing arts workshop that focuses on the development of the skills of youth in residential care. The workshop was established through the cooperation of St. Patrick's and the Belfast Community Circus School. The aim of the workshop is to foster personal development in disadvantaged youth through the teaching of circus and performance skills in a noncompetitive way, and to develop team spirit, coordination, and self-confidence. Another program is the Woodlands Community Project, which is a joint community training and education strategy between St. Patrick's Training School and Gortnamona Parent Youth Support Group for disadvantaged young people. Through the medium of horticultural training in organic growing methods, the project aims to heighten awareness of environmental issues among youth who can gain knowledge and develop skills that can be applied to improving their local community. Another program provides Independent Representation (IR) for youth in residential care. Under IR, independent volunteers visit youth in secure units to ensure fairness and appropriate care and treatment. The IR can inform youth of their rights, discuss possible action with them, and take up any matters on their behalf, according to their wishes. In association with IR, a Licensing Review Committee ensures that youth in training school are being properly cared for and that appropriate programs of care are being pursued by staff on each youth's behalf. Another project, the West Side Project, uses and develops the resources and expertise that currently exist within St. Patrick's, social services, and community organizations, for the optimum benefit of youth at risk of admission or who have been admitted to residential care. The project offers consultation and advice to the referring social worker who aims to divert children and youth from admission to care.