NCJ Number
46375
Journal
NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals) Bulletin Volume: 60 Issue: 400 Dated: (MAY 1976) Pages: 48-54
Date Published
1976
Length
7 pages
Annotation
THE ROLES OF PARENTS, SCHOOLS, SOCIAL AGENCIES, AND THE COURTS ARE DISCUSSED AS PARTS OF A NETWORK OF HELP PROVIDING ALTERNATIVES FOR YOUTH TO FIND VOCATIONAL AND SOCIAL FULFILLMENT.
Abstract
ACCORDING TO A NUMBER OF STUDIES AND SURVEYS, POOR EDUCATION AND A LACK OF JOB SKILLS ARE SEEN AS PREVALENT CHARACTERISTICS AMONG ADULT AND JUVENILE OFFENDERS. IN THE ABSENCE OF ACCEPTABLE EARNING SKILLS, MANIPULATIVE, DECEPTIVE, AND DEVIANT BEHAVIOR EVOLVE AS THE JUVENILE ATTEMPTS TO SURVIVE BY EXPLOITING RATHER THAN SERVING THE COMMUNITY. THE MAJOR ACCULTURATING UNITS OF SOCIETY ARE DEEMED RESPONSIBLE IN VARYING DEGREES FOR THIS EVOLUTION OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOR. EARLY INTERVENTION WITH SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS IS RECOMMENDED WHEN IT IS OBVIOUS THAT A CHILD IS FAILING TO PERFORM OR TO BE MOTIVATED WITHIN THE NORMATIVE EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE. IT IS CONSIDERED THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM TO DEVELOP A VARIETY OF APPROACHES THAT WILL ENABLE YOUTH TO ACQUIRE SUFFICIENT SKILLS TO COPE AND SURVIVE IN SOCIETY REGARDLESS OF INTELLECTUAL OR PERSONALITY LIMITATIONS. HOME-SCHOOL CONTACTS ARE URGED AS A MEANS OF DEVELOPING A COOPERATIVE APPROACH IN SETTING AND WORKING TOWARD GOALS TAILORED TO INDIVIDUALS. THE COURT SYSTEM IS VIEWED AS AN ENTERPRISE THAT MARKS THE FAILURE OF THE BASIC MOLDING UNITS OF SOCIETY TO PROVIDE FOR THOSE ENTRUSTED TO THEIR CARE AND GUIDANCE. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT SOCIETY PROVIDE THE AUTHORITY NEEDED BY JUVENILE COURTS TO ENFORCE THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HOME, THE SCHOOL, AND OTHER RESPONSIBLE UNITS OF SOCIETY WHEN THEY ARE CONFRONTED WITH THE PROBLEMS OF THE DROPOUT. (RCB)