NCJ Number
204822
Date Published
2003
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This report describes the development of a program designed specifically for young adult offenders in Victoria (Australia) and reports on an evaluation of the program.
Abstract
The development of the program was occasioned by a recognition that young adult offenders (17- to 25-years-old) are heavily represented in community-based dispositions and have an increased violation rate that leads to custodial sentencing. Program development was based on a study that showed the following factors involved in young adult offending: mental health issues, drugs and alcohol abuse, homelessness, living skills, unemployment, education, financial issues, family issues, abuse and environmental issues, and peer pressure. In addition to addressing these factors, the development of the Young Adult Offender program (YAOP) required a focus on compliance with sentencing orders. For the educational portion of the program, an accredited course entitled the Geelong Adult Training and Education (GATE) was selected. The course focuses on employment and living skills. The course was modified to meet the specific needs of young adult offenders. In addition to an educational component, GATE also facilitates community work assignments. The modification of the existing GATE course and the contribution of various community agencies has contributed to the development of a unique program that provides to the young adult offender an accredited certification, community work credit, and supervision credits upon completion of the program. The YAOP is divided into three distinct modules, namely community integration, personal care and management, and employment. This division allows participants to enter the program at the beginning of any given module and complete the course over two terms if necessary. This structure allows the inclusion of a greater number of offenders who would otherwise be required to wait for the new term to begin. The YAOP is delivered across four terms in accordance with the school year. Each term consists of a 10-week period, with sessions held twice weekly. The data to date show that those offenders who complete the program are less likely to breach their orders. Moreover, participants are apparently benefiting from the employment module of the program, with a greater number of offenders who complete this module going on to find gainful employment. Skills learned within the program have provided participants greater opportunities to find employment, enroll in further education, and access services available within the community. The evaluation findings indicate that YAOP is achieving its objectives. Constraints include participants' punctuality, the need for an appropriate facilitator for the education component, and the provision of a permanent teaching environment. 3 figures