NCJ Number
71052
Date Published
1979
Length
76 pages
Annotation
This report presents an evaluation of the Adventure Home (AH) of Boulder, Colo., a residential treatment program for delinquent youth that existed from early 1978 to the fall of 1979.
Abstract
The purpose of the evaluation was to observe the project, evaluate treatment progress and student outcome, explore psychological measures that might quantify growth and changes in the students, and reflect on the appropriateness of having Outward Bound tailor programs for residential delinquent treatment centers. Data were collected in October 1978 and in January, April, August, and October 1979. On each occasion, staff and students were interviewed, day-to-day operations of the home were observed, cognitive measures were administered to the students, records of student progress were reviewed, and other delinquent treatment programs in the Boulder area were observed. Also, the objectives and perceived success of the home were discussed with administrative personnel. During these observations, 14 students spent time in the home. The curriculum of AH falls into three major areas: outdoor experiences, daily living routines, and educational and vocational training. Additionally, progress through treatment is marked by a series of four phases which intersect with the curriculum components. At any one time, average occupancy at AH was four students, although AH can accommodate up to four boys and two girls. Students remained at the home for about 6 months. The staff consisted of two resident counselors, a team leader, and an assistant team leader. These positions were augmented with a part-time relief worker and occasional volunteers from a university. AH was the only program in the Boulder area that sought to deal with difficult cases, and it seemed to be achieving some success. However, the home had to close because of funding policies at the State level. The evaluation concluded that the innovative program would have been worth continuing and that the standard Outward Bound course, offered as an adjunct to a residential treatment program, is effective. Figures and a bibliography are provided, and appendixes contain student test results, staff job descriptions, and student progress report forms. (Author abstract modified)